Ideas for a pilot house

[waterman]

Hey guys
just curious has anyone converted there aquasport into a pilot house? I don't mean the cc I'm talkin the walk arounds  I have a 215 explorer and wondered what it would look like as a pilot house maybe 3 sided with a canvas back to take off on summer days any ideas to add  how tos and pics

[akbridge]

I have seen a few converted.  One was an old 222 cc that looked like a old lobster boat when done.  Very cool. :afro:  :afro: . There was an AS for sale here for a while that was converted I think.  But I couldn't find the listing since it sold.  What about adding a standard T-Top?

[Capt. Bob]

In the early 90s Aqua (after the move to Sarasota) offered a factory enclosure for the 210 and the 230 WACs.

The boat Akbridge was referring to was a 230.
This is an old ad from our classifieds that shows a 230 with the factory enclosure and tower.
http://www.ablboats.com/details.asp?ListingID=82911

This is from our Photo Gallery for the 92 model year. Just a line drawing but the top shown was enclosed on three sides with glass.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... 575/page/1

This is a photo from the 94 catalog. First year (I believe) of the Euro transom style and last year for the enclosure/pilothouse.


Last link. A lot of CCs but a WAC or two.
http://www.pacificpilothouse.com/

Good luck.

[waterman]

Wow. That changes the whole look of the boat love to see more pics if any has
any I'm sure it would be hard to find one of these, any ideas on fabricating something maybe some aluminum windshield framing bolted to a fiberglass top    Any builders/restorers on this site have some ideas  materials etc

[Fishhead]

Tubing and hardtops with front and side curtains are the ticket. Most Walkarounds are set up that way back here.Check my pics in member photo gallery,Its a farallon pilothouse added to a 93 230.Hows it going Rikk,been gone awhile working on 4 yr project remodel addition but did get some fishing time in this year.Merry Christmas ,Robb.

[RickK]

Hi Fishhead - good to see you back.  How'd your man-size garage turn out?  That was the last pics you posted was just after the bldg went up.
So what were you remodeling - the homestead?
Don't be a stranger - getting more members out your way.

Here is fishheads before conversion pic (230 Osprey)
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/290boat_-bradys_field_trip-soccer_214.jpg
And after
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/290boat_-bradys_field_trip-soccer_261.jpg

[Glock Diver]

Hi Fishhead - good to see you back.  How'd your man-size garage turn out?  That was the last pics you posted was just after the bldg went up.
So what were you remodeling - the homestead?
Don't be a stranger - getting more members out your way.

Here is fishheads before conversion pic (230 Osprey)
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/290boat_-bradys_field_trip-soccer_214.jpg
And after
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/290boat_-bradys_field_trip-soccer_261.jpg

Wow, that's a serious addition to that 230!  Nice looking though.  How do you like it?  How much weight does it add?

[gran398]

Fish I'm with Glock, great job. Are you in northern Ca., and halibut is the main quarry?

Good money involved in the rebuild, and it shows.

May be possible to purchase the pilot house on the east coast as a part. Most likely a Chesapeake product at the southern end....and then more prevalent N through De, and Ma to Me. A more temperate version is available here in northeastern NC. Parker and C-Hawk come to mind, but the Harkers Island/Core Sound workboat builders  offer models. All from their/their daddy's  molds. The boating industry remains depressed here.

The smaller glass houses will welcome your biz, if only to keep the boys fed, at a slim/giveaway margin. Do your DD  make your choices based upon necessity/footprint. Tell them that you are in the bid process, and request a "quote." No fun for them but a good business practice for you.

Keep us posted as to your style choices, interests, etc.

[Fishhead]

Hi Rikk,the whole house was taken down to just studs,then added 1200 sf. Was out of the house for over 2 yrs.Moved kitchen,gutted all elect. and plumbing.what a mess.The shop is already filled up,you ever here anyone say I built it to big? The 230 gets new scotty electric downriggers finally and already picked up a HDS 10 for it. My furuno sounder plotter was from 98,ready for new  stuff.Hoping for a salmon season.I love the pilothouse,warm and dry leaving at dark thirty for the 50 mile runs. Dont know the weight I added,probably at least 500 lb and it moved more forward. Your corect Gran,fish SF bay halibut and coast salmon, rock and tuna.

[Glock Diver]

Well if I ever have to relocate to a cold climate, I will keep your pilot house design in mind.  

Until then, on the rare occasion that it's cold enough down here that I would need a solid enclosure, this guy is staying home!

[gran398]

Hope you find what you need. Check ENC Craigslist to start, then Google "Fiberglass Marine Parts", etc.

[Skoot]

How about that guy(recently) that installed a beautiful wood pilot house.  Im at work, so I cant see any pics, but If I remember correctly he used some really nice/exotic wood and completely rearranged the boat. Anyone remember or have a link?

[Antoni]

Check out my pictures on profile. I built a pilothouse on my 97 225 explorer last year. I am an early and late season fisherman. pilothouse realy helps with the wind and weather. ( also no more broken zippers and aging plastic on canvas)

[RickK]

Hi Antoni, that's a nice transformation.  

[Capt. Bob]

Very nice.
I'm a pilot house fan but it gets too hot down here, still.......

I'd love to find an old factory optioned one like the one shown in the catalog.

Good luck.