Going topless

[Hows Hatt]

I have been storing my 28' SF project boat in my buddy's pole barn, but he has sold his property to a developer and I will have to move it. I have been thinking about removing the flybridge to simplify any possible heighth issues. Is this a fairly simple task? How is it fastened? Is it just a matter of running a sawzall around the perimeter? If screwed or bolted, how are the fasteners located? Thanks for your help. Howard in West Michigan

 

[Freebird]

You didn't tell us what kind of boat you have, but I've never seen a flybridge that wasn't screwed or bolted on. They are designed for easy removal/replacement because many have to be removed to meet height restrictions. I would think a boat this small wouldn't have any clearance issues (13'6" without special permits).

There is usually a rubrail or similar cover which when removed will expose the screws or bolts. I've taken bridges off before and it's no big deal. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer if they are still in business. If not, just start unscrewing, unbolting, and unplugging. But I would measure the boat from the lowest point to the highest point on the bridge before I went to all that trouble. If it's less than about 12 feet, it should be a no brainer. If it's more than that, check with the folks you plan to use for transport to see how tall their trailer is. They can obtain over height permits depending on the route they choose to transport your boat.

Good luck!

PS Sorry Howard, I didn't even pay attention to your stage name. You obviously have a Hatt. Give them a call. By the way, the fact that your boat is in your buddy's pole barn with the bridge attached tells me you won't have any problems transporting it with the bridge on. Unless of course that is one hell of a tall door on that barn!

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

Hows,

Call the factory. Engineering probably has all info on how the bridge is attached. My bet is (like Freebird's) with fastners.

Good luck,

Capt'n Bill

 

[Boatsb]

Unless its been modified. My 41 has a bridge from a 38 glassed on. No screws on it at all. It would be a bear to pull it.

 

[Freebird]

Unless its been modified. My 41 has a bridge from a 38 glassed on.

Your 41 has a bridge from a 38 and you think it may have been modified? I checked the brochure archive and there was no factory option for a 38 bridge on a 41.

Maybe that's why I get laughed at when I take my nitrous bottled, twin-turbo Cadillac in for warranty work!

 

[Boatsb]

The 1966 41 had the center pod and I hate that bridge. This one had from someone before me been changed with the 38c bridge and the bench seat in front of the controls. Much nicer. I might not have bought the boat with the old style bridge. Its glassed into the cabin roof OK but since it needs paint anyway I will get to clean it up a bit. At least its facing the right direction and on straight.

 

[Freebird]

At least its facing the right direction and on straight.

Hey Bubba, hope you didn't think I was poking fun at your boat. I've been working on patenting a rotating bridge to aid in docking and backing down on fish. Think it'll catch on?

 

[34Hatt]

My 41 has a bridge from a 38 glassed on. No screws on it at all. It would be a bear to pull it.

Well I glassed mine down also but we are far and few in-between. If Hows Hatt has not been modified it should coome off fairly easy. That year should have teak trim around it that get's removed then you can get to the screws behind it. A picture would be GOOD.

 

[brian4190]

hi howard, brian here. as you know i have the same model 28 sf you do. the flybridge is held down by about a hundred or so bronze phillips head screws on the outside perimeter lip. it is no big deal to remove them once you dig the old paint out of the heads. i recently removed all of them and resealed the flybridge with 5200 and replaced the original screws with stainless. i transported my boat from ct. with the flybridge on so you may be able to get away with not takeing it off. email me or give me a call if you want more detailed info.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Hey Howard--FWIW take an old screw driver bit and your cordless drill and make it hot with a propane torch to get the paint out of the screws and also, it shocks the screws then theyll spin right out. Used this for years on REED and PRINCE screws on the Roamer and it never lets me down--those are usually silicone bronze and soft too! I know that you will replace all the screws with nice new stainless ones anyway!!
HUNTINGTON made south Chicago last sunday with only one filter failure--used 600 gallons of #2 in 120 miles! I never want to hear anyone bitch about mileage. Boat is headed for oak creek wi. for work and the big electric tug is coming here from Duluth with a dredge in tow,and then we are off to Detroit for another boat to run here for yet more work. That unlimited masters open ocean ticket is paying off. This guy promised to keep me busy for 5 years!! Stay on Mark about those engines! ws

 

[Hows Hatt]

Thanks All, for the responses. The primary motive for removing the bridge is not clearance but ease of shrink-wrapping or tarpping. I am desperately seeking indoor storage (to buy, build or rent reasonably) but for now the old girl will have to get used to the weather. Brian, that is exactly what I was looking for. BTW, the posted pictures of "Mitoi" are great! Bill, that is quite a sea going saga you've got hold of there! The way it has been blowing here, I would guess it is not the best time to be on the lake. What the heck is an unlimited masters open ocean ticket? Thanks for the hot bit tip. Say that five times fast! I've not heard from Mark but have my fingers crossed. Happy belated birthday, Randy. I swear, not even my dogs get as much attention as you! I was working on posting a picture of the flybridge/top juncture but I am clearly not up to speed on downsizing pics. Sure is nice to have a place like this to hang out! Howard in West Michigan

 

[Freebird]

Happy belated birthday, Randy. I swear, not even my dogs get as much attention as you!

Hey Bubba, if I'm getting more attention than your dogs, you need to pet them puppies more often. You'll learn more about life from them than anybody on this site, I'll guarantee you that! Thanks for the birthday wishes. Happy Hatt wrapping!

 

[SeaSwick]

Hey Hows Hatt -- One tool to have on hand if you remove your bridge will help with any sealant/adhesives used in conjuction with the screws. You'll need to make this tool though... unless you know any International Hitmen!

Get one of the heavy/thick steel guitar string (can't tell you which one, I can hardly play the radio...), and two pieces of wooden broom handle (about a foot long each). Fasten the wire to the center of the broom handles to make...well... handles at each end of the wire (forming a "T" with the wire).

If the bridge is stuck down with some-sort of glop, after removing the screws, use your home-made garrot(sp) to 'saw' through the adhesive along the mating surfaces of the bridge bottom & cabin top.

One person inside the bridge & one outside, alternating pulling back & forth on the wire.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

hey man--I like the spiral wound guitar string thing! THAT is a brain fart!! Or use MONEL wire or tungsten and hook it up to a battery charger. It will get nice and hot. Takes 3 to do it --2 on the sticks and one to lift and seperate Works great on 5200 and the old "sticky gray shit that Chris Craft used". I would say that if in fact its glassed down youll need a bunch of hacksaw blades, AND GLOVES.Tape down aluminum gutter flashing to do as little damage to the immediate area as possible. Then be prepared for the repair job and paint on top.
I LOVE THE SMELL OF 5200 BURNING IN THE MORNING--IT SMELLS LIKE --VICTORY. ws