rafiki_
Well-Known Member
+1 again!
Flybridge for the UK (West Coast of Scotland)
- Thread starter LadyJ
- Start date
Al Dickson
Well-Known Member
Having had two flybridges on the West Coast of Scotland (Nordstar Patrol 31 & Botnia Targa 35) we have now gone for a sports cruiser for a few reasons :
Hardly used the flybridge in our "summer" climate at 20 plus knots it was usually sufficiently bracing enough that folk would come back down after 10 minutes.
Although there was a better view up there it was no use for parking short handed due to the time it took to get back down and handle the ropes.
The boat has a much lower centre of gravity without the flybridge which especially pleases SWMBO.
Less to go wrong (and clean/cover up) with a single helm station.
I can see the attraction of a big flybridge if it can be used for socialising, BBQ etc but on the size of boats we have had it was really just an alternative helm position.
The Nimbus has two big electric glass sunroofs which are great on nice days whilst remaining sheltered from the wind. So far I have not felt the need to pop my head out like a nautical Meerkat as the visibilty all round is great plus side doors which mean I can park her on my own if necessary.
Hardly used the flybridge in our "summer" climate at 20 plus knots it was usually sufficiently bracing enough that folk would come back down after 10 minutes.
Although there was a better view up there it was no use for parking short handed due to the time it took to get back down and handle the ropes.
The boat has a much lower centre of gravity without the flybridge which especially pleases SWMBO.
Less to go wrong (and clean/cover up) with a single helm station.
I can see the attraction of a big flybridge if it can be used for socialising, BBQ etc but on the size of boats we have had it was really just an alternative helm position.
The Nimbus has two big electric glass sunroofs which are great on nice days whilst remaining sheltered from the wind. So far I have not felt the need to pop my head out like a nautical Meerkat as the visibilty all round is great plus side doors which mean I can park her on my own if necessary.
tetleys
Well-Known Member
i am reading this thread with great interest having previously owned a 41 flybridge and currently 34 sportscruiser with canvas. We want something bigger around 42 to 45 , non flybridge and canvas as Mrs T doesnt like height and remoteness of flybridge, but have been put off by some of the hardtop sportscruisers as not open enough. I can certainly see the benefits of the Broom style layout with one helm and lots of accomodation, but have never looked closely at them before because being semi displacement ? thought they where thirsty and a little slow , but stand to be educated.
Al , your choice of the Nova 43 is a fine one, and is on our possible list as previoulsy owned the flybridge version of your boat, Storebro 410 Commander
cheers
Bernard
Al , your choice of the Nova 43 is a fine one, and is on our possible list as previoulsy owned the flybridge version of your boat, Storebro 410 Commander
cheers
Bernard
Greg2
Well-Known Member
L
The hull on a Broom depends on the model. In general the OS designation (offshore) means a planing hull and CL (coastal) means semi-displacement. Older boats don't have those designations, including our 41 which has a planing hull with a small skeg keel for directional stability. We aren't quick though!
The hull on a Broom depends on the model. In general the OS designation (offshore) means a planing hull and CL (coastal) means semi-displacement. Older boats don't have those designations, including our 41 which has a planing hull with a small skeg keel for directional stability. We aren't quick though!
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oldgit
Well-Known Member
Aah.... the delights of listening to the rain pitter pattering on the canvas and passing the time wondering which zip/button/ stud/Dzues clip/turnlock is going to fail next.
Still you can always spend the time planning the sequence of what you have to move,seat cushions/people/junk in order to get the reluctant canvas into storage lockers before having to haul it out a few hours later and assemble the strange stainless pipework holding it all up ,,,again
Still you can always spend the time planning the sequence of what you have to move,seat cushions/people/junk in order to get the reluctant canvas into storage lockers before having to haul it out a few hours later and assemble the strange stainless pipework holding it all up ,,,again
Whitelighter
Well-Known Member
Aah.... the delights of listening to the rain pitter pattering on the canvas and passing the time wondering which zip/button/ stud/Dzues clip/turnlock is going to fail next.
Still you can always spend the time planning the sequence of what you have to move,seat cushions/people/junk in order to get the reluctant canvas into storage lockers before having to haul it out a few hours later and assemble the strange stainless pipework holding it all up ,,,again
Or you could get a hardtop - still a sports cruiser
Bojangles
Well-Known Member
We're based in the Clyde, Kip in winter and Portavadie in the summer. Our FB, which I've had for 6yrs works well for us, I helm from the FB mostly and only use the lower helm if its raining. I like the amount of light and better views from the saloon and no canvass/plastic windscreen above your head to leak when underway which was an issue in our last boat (maxum 31ft sports cruiser)
Where are you based?
Where are you based?
oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
L
The hull on a Broom depends on the model. In general the OS designation (offshore) means a planing hull and CL (coastal) means semi-displacement. Older boats don't have those designations, including our 41 which has a planing hull with a small skeg keel for directional stability. We aren't quick though!
For what its worth we've done quite a bit of long distance cruising around the exposed Atlantic west, south and east coasts of Ireland on a Broom semi-displacement hull for years. On long passages we typically cruise well up on the plane at 16kt which has proven fast enough to cover 150nm in a day. She is happy at 20kt also but we couldn't be bothered with the higher fuel burn, and 26kt top speed is just to please OPEC. The hull has coped well with the odd F6 Atlantic bashing in a 3-4m swell. Obviously we slow to a speed that matches the wave frequency if its rough. On nice days there is nothing nicer than cruising in displacement mode on the auto helm, when I don't need to stay at the helm, just anywhere on the boat I can see forward.
Greg2
Well-Known Member
Likewise!
We cruise at around 16-18 knots on the plane and can do around 23/24 flat out. If the weather is good then it is a run with the tide at displacement speeds. Sometimes use one engine at sea and often inland as the gearboxes don't need pressure to lubricate and it runs one engine at higher revs and lower hours overall. We love the space on the 41 and she is an excellent sea boat. It was a close call between the 41 and a 38 when we bought though....both great boats.
Actually the OS and CL designations are a bit misleading because the CL semi-displacement boats turned out to be excellent sea boats.......but then you already know that!
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LadyJ
Well-Known Member
I'm based in Largs and have been for the past 3 years. Moved from an 18foot speed boat to my current 25ft Merry Fisher (755). As always looking at the next one.... I'd love a boat like Bojangles (assuming that is the boat name as I've admired a boat of that name around the Clyde and in Portavadie) so maybe one day but prob have one or two moves before getting to that size!
alt
Well-Known Member
Never say never. We went from 25ft (Sealine S23) to 37ft (Cranchi Smeraldo 37) - best decision ever!
Bojangles
Well-Known Member
Yep that's probably me, thanks. After a long gap I returned to boating in 2008 with a 19ft Cuddy, later the same year changed to a 31ft sports cruiser and then onto the F43 the following year. This one suits us perfectly, I haven't seen anything I'd like to change to (without spending a couple of 100 Ks). Say hello the next time.
D
Deleted User YDKXO
Guest
I guess those dealers have got hardtop sportsboats to sell because its bollox. I had flybridge boats on the south coast for about 12yrs before we moved to the Med and probably I would use the lower helm about 10% of the time and then usually only on long passages such as a Channel crossing. Yes you get cold and often wet up there but the visibility is just so much better than the lower helm (and way better than the visibility you would get from driving inside a hardtop sportsboat). I guess in Scotland, you would drive a bit more from the lower helm because, no offence, the weather is probably worse up there than on the S coast but all the same I still think you'd do most of your driving from upstairs. Of course when you are at anchor there is no better place to appreciate the stunning scenery on the W coast of Scotland than from a flybridge. Another major factor is that a flybridge boat will undoubtedly offer a bigger saloon than a sportsboat and that is equally important for those days when the weather is hideous and all you want to do is loaf in the saloon with the heating on but at the same time you still want a view out.
Btw I have also owned a couple of sports cruiser style boats in my time, albeit soft tops, but I could never envisage having anything other than a flybridge boat now
I know other forumites will have different views but for me there is no downside to having a flybridge except for the very arguable one of looks but then IMHO many flybridge boats look better than many hardtop sportsboats anyway, some of which can look dumpy because of the visual impact of the hardtop
I do agree that a good compromise would be the 'command bridge' type boats from Broom, Aquastar, Westwood, Haines, Atlantic etc which offer some of the benefits of both types of boat along with the additional benefit of a palatial aft cabin
asteven221
Well-Known Member
Our boat is based in the Clyde and I agree with what everyone else says really. I don't think a 34 footer FB is an issue over a larger one, as the Clyde is sheltered and that there are loads of places to go in the knowledge of smooth waters. I might think differently if the boat was in an exposed coast.
FWIW I almost never helm from below. It's always from the FB, unless we're on passage and it starts to rain which I think did happen one this summer. At these times, I simply swap seats to the lower helm and remove my jacket and relax looking at the yachties getting soaked.
Occasionally I have seen us put on the genny, put on the heating and watch telly whilst sitting with a lovely cup of tea. Obviously I keep a look out and make sure it's clear all around, but in essence that's about the extent of the "work" needed. What's not too like with a FB boat? Not sure if we could have these sort of options on a single deck'r, especially that is of mostly canvas protecting us from the elements.
Incidentally there are quite a few 34 footer FB's in Largs. I am sure they would be happy to share their thoughts with you.
FWIW I almost never helm from below. It's always from the FB, unless we're on passage and it starts to rain which I think did happen one this summer. At these times, I simply swap seats to the lower helm and remove my jacket and relax looking at the yachties getting soaked.
Occasionally I have seen us put on the genny, put on the heating and watch telly whilst sitting with a lovely cup of tea. Obviously I keep a look out and make sure it's clear all around, but in essence that's about the extent of the "work" needed. What's not too like with a FB boat? Not sure if we could have these sort of options on a single deck'r, especially that is of mostly canvas protecting us from the elements.
Incidentally there are quite a few 34 footer FB's in Largs. I am sure they would be happy to share their thoughts with you.
oldgit
Well-Known Member
When out on a T47 could never quite decide wether to sit on the seat and look through screen or sit on that uncomfortable bolster thingy and attempt to peer over the top .Only alternative was to stand up and cling to steering wheel.
On long trips usually a combination of all three was tried.
On long trips usually a combination of all three was tried.
Bojangles
Well-Known Member
LadyJ, noticed this boat for sale at Kip yesterday and thought of you, check out the name as well
http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1025390/
http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/1025390/
LadyJ
Well-Known Member
That is spooky, I can use the 'it must be meant to be!' line to justify to the HWMBO. It does look a good amount of boat for the money when I think of what my MF755 cost!
rafiki_
Well-Known Member
This looks a very well priced boat!
Bojangles
Well-Known Member
That's what I thought, looks very clean. Come on LadyJ, only need to take 3 letters off the hull and your away..
LadyJ
Well-Known Member
It does look very clean indeed. Think I may just have a look......