Flying Bridge...Yay or Nay?

[spartonboat1]

I have the 43'DCFB, but have never really used the FB, esp. since one of the shifter cables is too stiff. So due to lack of time/interest/money, I have not corrected the issues related to running from up there. Also, I have the rare (I think) after mounted access ladder, vs. the 'usual' center of aft deck drop down ladder. Obviously, FB only helms on CVT's get used all the time, but I am unclear on the DCFB's.

My question is regarding if anyone really uses the FB that much on a 43'DCFB, which I would kind of like to at some point. Also, how much would the value be degraded, if it was removed, so that the dingy could be mounted up there.

I have been fretting about posting this, so any thoughts or comments?

 

[Sparky1]

For what it's worth, my view is never to spend money doing something to a boat that will diminish its value. I think that's what you would be doing to eliminate the bridge. It's hard to see how you'd come out ahead by removing the bridge as opposed to correcting a cable problem.

 

[SeaEric]

I prefer the 43 with NO flybridge. If I had a 43 with one, I would remove it. Its a small bridge anyway and set way far aft. There is such a small amount of deck up there that if you make a wrong step, you fall through the hatch. I say, get it off there and make room for your tender.

 

[rob71]

After I decided on a 43DC as my boat of choice I thought I wanted one without the flybridge, based soley on aesthetics. When the best boat came along it had a flybridge, and I bought it anyway. It is a big advantage, I drive from there often, It is much cooler on hot days (with a bimini top) it is much more quiet while underway and the view is spectacular. Also when at anchor it is a good place read/relax away from the activity below. Fix the cable it's not that hard or expensive and give it a try. Rob.

 

[Walter P]

My vote is to leave it alone or repair the cable. I have owned 2 43 DC's over the years and started out using the bridges but after a while, I found that I ended up using the lower helm 99% of the time. The lower station on the 43's give you 360 deg visability and it's a fair distance from the water so your view is very good. An interesting tidbit is that when Jack Hargrave designed the 43 DC it was not to have a bridge, but the marketing folks at Hatteras made a case for better sales and a compromise was struck which was to offer a flying bridge, but it was to be small so as to have minimal impact on stability.

I think if I had another 43 DC it would be a flattop. Boat looks good and performs better, can clear lower bridges and gives you a great storage area for your tender.

The reason I'd not recommend removing yours are twofold, one is the cost of removal and filling all the holes etc., the other is that although I like it better as a flat top, not everyone elso does and it will probably impact you negatively when it comes time to sell.

Walt

 

[Pete]

Buyers may or may not use the flybridge on a 43 DC once they own it, but they will always pay more for a boat with the flybridge, in my opinion. Fix the cable. As others have noted, it is not hard to do and the cables are inexpensive. Put the tender on its side on the swim platform, or install some davits. You will be much happier when you decide to sell and start getting offers. Again, my opinion.

Pete

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Mine does not have a flybridge.....

But I have a 13' Boston Whaler w/ 30 hp Yamaha up there....

Well, that's where it belongs. It spends most of it time in the water for me to play with.

Plus when we cruise, it's a lot more fun rather than a 8' rib would be....

Ask my grandkids when I'm pulling them on the tube at 20+ mph....

Besides, where would you mount a USEABLE dingy on a 43' Hatt?

 

[dennis]

I have been thinking for a few years about taking the flybridge off my 43 dc and have decided to leave it on based upon the advice of several professionals in the boat business. They all tell me the boat is more valuable with a flybridge than without. I am not a flybridge person but I know most of the other boaters I meet like them. So, I just clean and polish it with the rest of the boat. It doesn't take all that much more time.

Dennis

 

[spartonboat1]

Follow-on, if anyone glances at this: station wagon effect. What little I used it, I noticed that exhaust fumes seemed to drift up there. But maybe that was a following wind or a light to little head wind.

Any comments on that issue?

Thanks for comments so far...

 

[34Hatt]

I was going to say remove it like Eric said I like the looks of a 43' with out the bridge!
But many replies made to much sense fix the cable and start using it hey you may really like it up there

 

[SKYCHENEY]

We had a FB on our 43DC and we used it every time the weather was nice. We kept the boat in your area (Traverse City) so I know that many days it's just more comfortable to be down below. I like the looks of the boat with a FB and I like handling the boat from up there. In fact, if I were looking for a 43DC again, I would not buy one without the FB.

Fix it and use it. You'll love it.

BTW, I never noticed any exhaust smell up there.

 

[sgharford]

I have FB and appreciate the extra space it gives outside. Just had 3 adults and 4 kids up there on Saturday (anchored). I find guest gravitate towards it like the kitchen at home when you have a party -seems like the place to be because of great visibility. It's a good getaway from distractions below and the visibilty is definitely much better, especially when navigating thru mooring fields and lobster pots. I don't like the way it looks, but appreciate the functionality. Never noticed fumes either, but I keep back deck below FB open (not enclosed) so that probably helps air flow when on FB. If I don't keep center window open nasty station wagon effect on lower helm with back open.

 

[Bill Allen]

Same for me,rarely use the flybridge. Would love to store a digny up there. But just seems like to much work for not a lot of gain and it will hurt the resale so it's up there covered. Bill

 

[Freestyle]

I bet we use teh flybridge 98% of the time and the other times are raining like crazy.

It's quiet and I love the view looking down on boats going by and into the depths of the water.

With the tint on the lower helm windows, I think it is a whole lot safer to drive from the FB at night where I can see lights better.

My only complaint is I wish it had another forward looking helm seat instead of a bench. But I may change that anyway.

Bruce
1976 43 DCMY
Tampa

 

[Walter P]

Good point regarding the station wagon effect. Both of my former 43's suffered from that malady. On the first one I did nothing about it except to keep the center windshield wide open to create a "draft". On the newer one, I decided to install side exhausts which spill out into the slip stream rather than the stern. They worked extremely well and the best part is that it didn't cost a kings ransom to do. There is plenty of space under the owners stateroom cabinets for the work to be done, especially in the later models with the center line queen beds.

Walt

 

[Walter P]

Bruce, your post reminded me of a big advantage of the FB on the 43. Years ago I made the annual pilgramage from NJ to Fla every year and much of the trip was on the ICW. Well during those times that the weather was warm, it was not unusual to pass a bunch of sailboats. Well we all know that sailors are free spirits and sure enough every now and again there would be a member of the female gender sunning herself in the alltogether. Most of the time they just waved back at us on the bridge and made no effort to cover up. Ahh..memories. I can assure you that the view from the bridge was much better than below.

On a more serious note.... during night cruising, the visability from the bridge can't be beat either. But I still like the advantages of a flattop over the bridge and given my druthers, would opt for the flat top over the FB model.

Walt

 

[Trojan]

I can't believe that anyone would remove there fly bridge. If I could not walk. I would drag my sorry ass up on the bridge. I'm considering removing the lower helm. I have never used the lower helm. The view from the FB is fantastic. The ability to see in the water 360 degrees is a real plus. Docking is easy from the bridge. My last 4 boats had FB's. I would NEVER own a boat without a FLY BRIDGE. I seat 5 people on my bridge. Three in capt. chairs and two on a large paded cooler. My bridge is inclosed sometimes. But not often. I set on the bridge and watch TV or run my computer or play music. It behoves Me that someone would even think or removing there fly bridge.


BILL

 

[NAN-PO 41]

We have a 41tc with a fly bridge. Although the visibility is great from the lower station it doesn't compare to the bridge. I run from there in all but bad weather. The cable is an easy fix. I took a short length of 5/16" alum rod, drilled and tapped both ends of it to fit the cable ends, filed the outer ends to a taper, and pulled the new cable into place with the old. Spray the outer sheath of the new cable with silicone to make it slide easily and wrap the joint with elec tape to prevent hang ups while pulling it through. The length is printed on the old cable sheathing about a foot or so from the ends so you can get the correct size new cable without having to remove and measure the old one.
Fred

 

[spartonboat1]

Well, I have counted the votes and the FB wins! I do remember that it was a great sensation to be up there operating the boat!!

Thanks for very much for the feedback from the HOF...

 

[DLCameron2]

After running our 1977 43DC for 8 years, I have to say DITTO to what Sky says. I always ran from up there. I always run this boat from up top whenever possible.

Fix the cables and let her rip!

DC