ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

[EABowens]

Gentlemen,<br />I am enjoying all the information and encouragement provided by this forum. I am slowly gearing up for my project. One major idea that I am seriously considering is the addition of a windshield with side windows and a hardtop. Some sort of variation of a pilot house, only structured for a runabout with closed bow. Does anyone have advice, ideas, photos that I can use to weigh this thought out? Appreciate any and all help.

 

[thehermit]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

cuda,<br />I am a big fan of the house. Have built a couple here in NE to stay out of that fnwind. Where i live we call 'em a doghouse.<br /> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/thehermitoncc/detail?.dir=6f29&.dnm=648f.jpg <br />Sounds like you are going for a full hardtop? I have had good luck with the rubberset windows over the more expensive alluminum. But the real money is in the windows! When you lay it out (in your mnind or on paper) you should try to make it as light-light-light as possible. By the time you soak it with resin/cloth/paint they get real heavy real quick! The picture I put up is of a pilot house that a manufacturer wanted 1400.00 bucks for. When I asked him if he had any pix he said yea I have pix and and some dimensions as well. His mistake he sent em to me and I built it myself for 500.<br />hermit<br />keep us posted.

 

[ED21]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

Hermit,<br />Be sure to post pics after you get it in the water.<br />The doghouse looks a little warm for summertime in the Cheasapeake, but I guess Cape Cod is another story.<br />Nice job.

 

[EABowens]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

hermit,<br />That a good looking unit you built. I agree with Ed. I am look for something a little more open and with curtains to provide that needed cover for those nippy,damp,rainy times. You have added to my thought process though. The heads up on the windows was appreciated.<br /><br />I will keep you posted.

 

[EABowens]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

I working up in my mind a variation of the Maritime Skiff 23' Patriot hardtop & windshield.<br />I must admit it is a lonely thought right now. Oh well, Hopefully this works.<br />[/IMG]http://www.mskiff.com/patriot.html[/IMG]

 

[EABowens]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

I working up in my mind a variation of the Maritime Skiff 23' Patriot hardtop & windshield.<br />I must admit it is a lonely thought right now. Oh well, Hopefully this works.<br /> http://www.mskiff.com/patriot.html

 

[JasonJ]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

I was going to do something like the Maritime Skiff 23', but ended up just building a normal center console. I sort of regret it now, because the type of fishing I am getting into is the type where the weather really sucks and I have no protection. I am considering removing my console and building the pilot house similar to the Maritime, and it would have curtains that roll down and snap for side protection, and even a back curtain. There are still two things that are holding me back. One, my boat is only 16.5 feet, so it may look weird, out of proportion and would need to be build very light. The other is that I would not be able to get the boat into my garage for winter storage. Thats not quite as important as semi comfort while fishing though. My other option is a T-top with quick release fittings to allow it to be parked in the garage. The T-top would only provide overhead protection though, so as of now, I only go out when the weather is decent. In a way, I regret converting the boat from a runabout to a center console, because I could have full canvass and be protected, but I really prefer the center console format. Decisions...<br /><br />

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[thehermit]

Re: ADD ON PILOT HOUSE or WINDSHIELD/HARDTOP

gang, both great concepts! I look forward to seeing the results!<br />Here is another one I built on my skiff.<br /> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/thehermitoncc/detail?.dir=f12c&.dnm=fdd9.jpg