Boat Modification - Flybridge

[zamgod]

Hi,
I’m pretty much a novice when it comes to boat modifications. In fact come to that I’m a novice with boats period. I bought my first one 6 months ago and with a friend who has boating in his blood; we made several trips to Barra Head, an island lying at the bottom of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Quite a feat for a 17 footer.
I want to make a modification to my boat to incorporate a flybridge, I’m 6ft 5in and my old bald head gets quite cold when racing along in the Atlantic……I know cheaper to buy a hat!
Photo 2 shows my boat as it is now; photo 1 shows how I would like it to be.
My question is how do I go about making and fitting the flybridge:
Do I use 3mm ply as a base and add strength with fibreglass, or do I make a mould with the 3mm ply and add layers of fibreglass?
What types of fibreglass should I use; I’ve read about matt, cloth, stitch mat and woven…..but I’m totally confused as to which to use and what procedure to adopt?
When it comes to painting; do I use a gelcoat and if so does it need primer or a sealer beforehand?
I sure would appreciate some help!
Many thanks.

Regards,
zamgod
__________________________
Old….but not that old!

[Velsia]

I think this might be more of a wind deflector than a Flybridge as such. I think a fly "bridge" by definition is a helming position above the bridge, usually on another deck.

[GG]

Originally Posted by Velsia

I think this might be more of a wind deflector than a Flybridge as such. I think a fly "bridge" by definition is a helming position above the bridge, usually on another deck.

I agree.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

Dont go too high with your extension, this will interfere with your centre of gravity and could make your boat uncomfortable at sea.
J

[zamgod]

Originally Posted by Itchy&Scratchy

Dont go too high with your extension, this will interfere with your centre of gravity and could make your boat uncomfortable at sea.
J

Hi,
Thanks for the info. Lets call it a wind break for an old fellas head ;o] The last thing I want to do is make the boat unstable, we've been out in some pretty heavy seas, especially where the Minch and Atlantic meet. The last trip we were flying on the crest and then crashing on the trough, scary but most exhilarating.
To compensate for the extra height/weight I was going to fit two storage compartments on the deck, one either side, made with heavier duty ply and fibreglass. Probably in the middle of the boat.
Do you think that would help with the centre of gravity?

Regards,
zamgod

Originally Posted by zamgod

To compensate for the extra height/weight I was going to fit two storage compartments on the deck, one either side, made with heavier duty ply and fibreglass. Probably in the middle of the boat.
Do you think that would help with the centre of gravity?

If we have to understand "on the deck" as on the "main deck" it makes it even worse of course.
If you mean on the floor, or in the bilge, the lowest part of the boat, it will compensate to some extend.
But adding weight is´nt a good idea either! It makes the boat behave less lively, can make it pound, and sure decreases speed.

If its a boat it is a compromise.

Regards
Richard

[Itchy&Scratchy]

Now that Ive had time to ponder this modification.......
Im wondering if maybe a full face helmet isnt the way to go. You could nosh your sarnies and they wouldnt even get wet whilst driving into the teeth of a gale, or come to think of it and you really are an old sea dog then your permanetly lit pipe will ommit a nice glow around the head, thereby warning off approaching ships and warming your nose and ears at the same time.

And itll look wicked, coming into harbour with a helly on-dont forget the dark visor for those sunny days(......what do you mean you dont get sunny days?????)

J

[zamgod]

I was hoping when I started this thread that a knowledgeable debate would ensue. From which I would gain a better insight into the techniques of using fibreglass and gelcoat.
Alas NO! All I got was a load of useless rubbish about helmets and boat nomenclature. On that subject, Brian Wilson Boat Manufacturer markets similar extensions for his Wilson Flyer and they are called “Flying Bridge”. Others who market similar appendages also call them Flying Bridge. I know who I’m going to believe!! O’ by the way, my boat only has one deck. It is the same deck, directly above a shallow bilge, which is used as a floor for standing on and fishing from etc etc.
Thankfully, Carman opened a thread “How thick the fibreglass” and he has attracted much more knowledgeable input. Because of his wise contributors, I now know how to proceed with my Flying Bridge.
Regards,

That was not meant to bother you, I think. Sometimes some members just cannot resist to make a joke.
My comment about the weight distribution was´nt a joke (but you did not like it either).
Your boat is a rather small one, that does´nt make it easy to estimate how changes come out.
So it would have been sensible to go a bit deeper into the weight question first.
But there was no reply.

And Brian Wilson is wrong when he calls such a windshield a "Flybridge", as all the others, doing so.
A flybridge is a command station on a open deck above the wheelhouse, nothing else.


At CarMan´s thread you´ll find the same members btw. contributing in a fruitful way.

Regards
Richard

[zamgod]

Originally Posted by apex1

At CarMan´s thread you´ll find the same members btw. contributing in a fruitful way.
Regards
Richard

Exactly my point!!

Yes its a small boat, a very small boat compared to some!
I did take onboard your weight distribution, the original on reflection does appear top heavy, so I've redesigned it......more compact! The proof will be "in the pudding", if it sinks you won't hear from me again. If it doesn't I'll send a photo ;o]
Regards,

[catmando2]

Originally Posted by zamgod

On that subject, Brian Wilson Boat Manufacturer markets similar extensions for his Wilson Flyer and they are called “Flying Bridge”. Others who market similar appendages also call them Flying Bridge. I know who I’m going to believe!!

Here you go, you might find a picture of a Flying Bridge or Flybridge here.

[yipster]

thats too small a boat boat for a flybridge, how about a fold down windscreen, perhaps with some more canvas covers ?

[gonzo]

Have you considered a folding soft top?

Originally Posted by gonzo

Have you considered a folding soft top?

Best solution I think. Could look a bit like this rigid one, but with a windscreen of course.


Picture is property of bateau.com !
http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=LB26

[zamgod]

Originally Posted by apex1

Best solution I think. Could look a bit like this rigid one, but with a windscreen of course.


Picture is property of bateau.com !
http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=LB26

WOW!! Now you're talking....

Fantastic boat designs, alternatives on the site, liked the elevated wind shield design. Large deck area for my lobster pots and for sea fishing. All in all a pretty impressive design.
Exploring the site reveals a mammoth amount of information on boat building and material useage tips. It's going to take some time to digest all the information.
Thanks a million for the link!!
Regards,