JoLin
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2007
- Messages
- 5,146
I started this thread a month ago when I realized I'd have to give up my Four Winns and move on sometime in the near future...
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/almost-time-simplify-631813.html
Well, once you say it, you gotta do it, right?
I like flybridge boats and have considered them often, but I didn't like the long climb to the bridge and the fact that 'hanging out' up there effectively segregates me from everyone else on the boat. Well, I found a type of boat that I wasn't aware of before- it's called a Command Bridge. There're only 3 steps up to the bridge and you can easily converse with guests in the cockpit. I've checked out 3 locally...
1. Chris Craft 292 Catalina. CC calls it a Sunbridge but it's the same thing. Their's was a twin-screw inboard with a lot of room inside. Galley is small for the size of the boat. The 'uh-uh' factor was the placement of the motors. They're spread to the extreme sides of the hull, to the extent that I don't think you could change plugs on the 'outboard' cylinder banks without pulling the manifolds first.
2. Bayliner 2858/288 Command Bridge. Single outdrive, and I swear you could make a sleeping berth in the engine room. Imagine changing the plugs sitting next to the engine. Almost unbelievable access to the engine, batts, water heater, etc. They get an 11 out of 10 for that. The 288 I checked out was too expensive for me (good price, though). I was disappointed by the 'cheap' factor, though. Not exactly a surprise considering its price point, but I hoped it would be less obvious. Head area was also kinda small and the second berth was a bit weird- it's in a cave under the dinette.
3. This is the one. http://carveryachts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/26-Command-Bridge_Sedan_92.pdf
I found this beauty on yachtworld 50 miles from home. 1992 Carver 26 Command Bridge. It's a one-owner, fanatic-owned, absolutely pristine boat that's been kept at the same marina for the past ten years. They have a maintenance file 2 inches thick. It's got all new canvas. Everything is spotless- you'd think the boat was 5 years old instead of 21. The owner died a year or so ago and his widow is selling it through a broker.
It isn't perfect (dual Merc Alpha 4.3's in the same beam as my boat), but the entire cockpit opens for access. It's doable. I'll also need to add A/C, but it was offered as an option starting in 93 or 94, so I'll be dropping a note to Carver. Hopefully they can provide some info on where/how the components were installed and routed.
Anyway, I made a deal and tomorrow I plunk down 10% and sign a contingency contract. In April or May I'll do the complete survey and sea trial. Here's hoping.
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/almost-time-simplify-631813.html
Well, once you say it, you gotta do it, right?
I like flybridge boats and have considered them often, but I didn't like the long climb to the bridge and the fact that 'hanging out' up there effectively segregates me from everyone else on the boat. Well, I found a type of boat that I wasn't aware of before- it's called a Command Bridge. There're only 3 steps up to the bridge and you can easily converse with guests in the cockpit. I've checked out 3 locally...
1. Chris Craft 292 Catalina. CC calls it a Sunbridge but it's the same thing. Their's was a twin-screw inboard with a lot of room inside. Galley is small for the size of the boat. The 'uh-uh' factor was the placement of the motors. They're spread to the extreme sides of the hull, to the extent that I don't think you could change plugs on the 'outboard' cylinder banks without pulling the manifolds first.
2. Bayliner 2858/288 Command Bridge. Single outdrive, and I swear you could make a sleeping berth in the engine room. Imagine changing the plugs sitting next to the engine. Almost unbelievable access to the engine, batts, water heater, etc. They get an 11 out of 10 for that. The 288 I checked out was too expensive for me (good price, though). I was disappointed by the 'cheap' factor, though. Not exactly a surprise considering its price point, but I hoped it would be less obvious. Head area was also kinda small and the second berth was a bit weird- it's in a cave under the dinette.
3. This is the one. http://carveryachts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/26-Command-Bridge_Sedan_92.pdf
I found this beauty on yachtworld 50 miles from home. 1992 Carver 26 Command Bridge. It's a one-owner, fanatic-owned, absolutely pristine boat that's been kept at the same marina for the past ten years. They have a maintenance file 2 inches thick. It's got all new canvas. Everything is spotless- you'd think the boat was 5 years old instead of 21. The owner died a year or so ago and his widow is selling it through a broker.
It isn't perfect (dual Merc Alpha 4.3's in the same beam as my boat), but the entire cockpit opens for access. It's doable. I'll also need to add A/C, but it was offered as an option starting in 93 or 94, so I'll be dropping a note to Carver. Hopefully they can provide some info on where/how the components were installed and routed.
Anyway, I made a deal and tomorrow I plunk down 10% and sign a contingency contract. In April or May I'll do the complete survey and sea trial. Here's hoping.
