Flybridge To Pilot House Conversion

[Brian Degulis]

I just completed this project on our 61 MY. The hard top was built a few years ago the enclosure just completed. The front winshield and 2 forward side windows are removable and there are 2 sliding rear doors.

Brian

 

[Sparky1]

I'm betting that looks really good. Got any pictures?

 

[Boatsb]

I just completed this project on our 61 MY. The hard top was built a few years ago the enclosure just completed. The front winshield and 2 forward side windows are removable and there are 2 sliding rear doors.

Brian

Tease!!!!!!!!


Pictures please.

 

[Brian Degulis]

Photos are up on first post Here's one more

Brian

 

[captddis]

Kinda looks like a Nordhaven! But still very nice.

 

[sgharford]

You have a gift and use it wisely - simply beautiful. Whatcha doing with that 60C you bought recently?

 

[Sparky1]

Kinda looks like a Nordhaven! But still very nice.

Those may be fighting words Dave. LOL

You do nice work Brian, I assume the new enclosure is air conditioned?

 

[34Hatt]

Looks like another Job nicely done!

So does it have AC and what did you make the back wall out of???

 

[Pete]

Brian, a question about the "spray deflectors" attached to the forward rail stanchions. I saw a similar setup on a smaller Nordhaven (yes, it was a Nordhaven) last week at the Hilton Marina (formerly Sheraton) in New Bern. That boat did not have a flybridge and it appeared to me that the deflectors would cause a visibility problem from the pilothouse steering station. What is your experience when using the lower station on your boat? Also, nice quality work on the flybridge.

Pete

 

[spartonboat1]

Just got a look at pic#3 (little side table) ...wow...beautiful!

 

[Brian Degulis]

Well that's the 2nd Nordhavn COMPLEMENT I've goten in a week I'll take it.

Yes it is air conditioned I put a 24000 cruisair under the bridge a little over kill so it's works great. The structure is made of fir saturated with epoxy and finished with Awlgrip. The rear wall is sheathed with HDO plywood and also finished with Awlgrip. The brite work is mahogany including the floor the helm seats are Todd and the windows are Lexan with a mar guard coating. They say it's as scratch resistant as glass we'll see how it hold up?

Brian

 

[Brian Degulis]

Brian, a question about the "spray deflectors" attached to the forward rail stanchions. I saw a similar setup on a smaller Nordhaven (yes, it was a Nordhaven) last week at the Hilton Marina (formerly Sheraton) in New Bern. That boat did not have a flybridge and it appeared to me that the deflectors would cause a visibility problem from the pilothouse steering station. What is your experience when using the lower station on your boat? Also, nice quality work on the flybridge.

Pete

They do restrict visibilty a little mostly very close to the boat like when docking but it I never saw it as a problem. I put them on for kid and dog safty and found out they reduce spray an awfull lot.


Brian

 

[steve940]

WOW! simply gorgeous!

Enjoy it!

Steve

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Very nice work. Do you notice any difference in handling with the extra weight of the hardtop and enclosure?

 

[Brian Degulis]

No I guess there has to be some diffrence cause it's not only weight but aditional windage also but I don't see any change.

Brian

 

[mobilemn1]

That looks really good Brain, great craftsmanship. Nice to see a project finished isn't it?

 

[Brian Degulis]

You ain't kiddin. This took a long time the bridge and the hard top were not built with being enclosed in mind. Everything was a challenge there were no straight lines from point A to point B. Everthing was a compromise also I probably looked at this a dozen times and decided it wasn't practical before finally doing it.

Brian

 

[mobilemn1]

That's the reward of doing an impractical job, The finished product turning out so well. Gives you crowing rights.

 

[Brian Degulis]

Thanks but depends on who is looking. Some will look at it and think why the hell did you do that to that boat? For sure the look of the boat was better with just the hard top. Without tearing off the flybridge and starting from scratch it was impossible to avoid that. But IMHO it looks better than a bimini and it's much more functional. It's now an interior climate controlled space that's large enough for a few people vrs the lower OEM pilot house which was very small. The visibilty is much better it's quieter (almost to quiet I can't hear the engines) and when you pop out the the winshield and side windows and open the doors it's very open and airy. I'm pleased with it although I know it will probably hurt me if I want to sell seems like any deviation from OEM always does.

Brian

 

[rams375]

This project is what I am doing to a Northwind charter sportfish 36'. My sketches are similar and doing the work myself with strength and clean lines. The Astoria bar is well known for weather and soft enclosures do not do the job. I appreciate the craftmanship involved. Thanks for your post.