Flybridge after the fact?.....

[Jeff1126r]

Hello All,
newbie here....looking at a 1984 225 Weekender,Merc 5.7,,does anyone know of any known issues w/ this series? Also,,it's got the full enclosure option,,but no flybridge. Anyone ever heard of adding on a flybridge later? Are there any companies that make a flybridge kit of some sort? Any and all info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff:smt100

 

[Tonka Boater]

Can you explain your thoughts on adding a flybridge? I'm not sure I understand. Are you talking about adding some sort of cockpit area above the existing cockpit so you can enclose the main area? Not sure if that would be very cost effective.

:smt017

 

[Jeff1126r]

Boat already has the complete enclosure,,,hardtop and doors. Pic below. Wanting to know if there is a way to add the flybridge (i.e., would the control package needed be proprietary to Sea Ray, or are there companies out there that make some sort of "universal" setup. Again, thanks for the info!

 

[mwph]

Jeff,
Because of my limited experience I didn't want to be the first to chime in here, but are you even thinking about getting up on the "hardtop"?

 

[Jeff1126r]

I know,,,It's not a "hardtop" and I'd end up going through it. But it seems someone had already been thinking about it on this boat and has put in what essentially amounts to the beginnings of a second story on. Complete w/ 2.5" fence-pipe corner posts inside and 2 cross-members in the "ceiling", connecting it all. Wondering if the controls are available anywhere to finish the job, or are they so expensive that whoever did the original work didn't want to spend the dough....

 

[BillyT0020]

Theoretically it could be done. Practically it would be a huge job and very expensive. If it were me, I would just look for one with a flybridge. If your set on adding a flybridge to this boat, I would look for a junk boat of the same year that had the flybridge option and buy it.

 

[wish2fish]

what would it do to the stability of the boat? Seems like it would make a 225 very top heavy!

 

[BillyT0020]

what would it do to the stability of the boat? Seems like it would make a 225 very top heavy!

Not sure but it must be okay if Sea Ray put out models with a flybridge added.

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

Usually people add a tuna tower above a hardtop for fishing.
Lets you get up high for spoting boiling fish, birds, etc
They are usually made of alum or stainless tubing.

If its a must have, Im sure you could run the control cables thru the tubing for a clean look.

 

[jitts3]

I'll bet if you look hard enough and don't mind a bit of traveling you can find one like yours in a bone yard with a flybridge. Don't get discouraged, just think more than you act and definatly before you drill.
In my opinion there is nothing cost effective about any hobbie. Boating is no exception.