Pulling the trigger on a pilot house on the 228

[luckydude]

To get rid of the bar that is right where I look when driving the boat and to able to look through glass when chasing tuna.

My hardtop is sold but the windshield will go up for sale at some point soon. Someone should jump on that, a friend sold his for a pile because apparently you can't source that windshield any more.

I'll post pics as we make progress. The guy doing it is Charlie Hicks, he's done several pilot houses for 228s in the SF Bay Area. I'm hopeful it will go well.

 

[glacierbaze]

I was wondering if changing the windshield was still on your mind. Keep us posted.

 

[Norcoastal]

If you decide to sell the starboard side vent window, please keep me in mind.

Thanks

 

[Ekea]

in for updates

 

[Ryhlick]

Charlie does great work, I saw another 228 with a cabin on it he did. Would you mind letting us know the cost, I have entertained this idea for a few years. Thanks and I look forward to seeing the progress.

 

[Fishtales]

Pics please.

 

[luckydude]

If you decide to sell the starboard side vent window, please keep me in mind.

Thanks

Hey, no offense, but you should find someone with a 3D printer to print that for you. The windshield, as a complete package, is worth at least $4K because you can't get it any more. So I don't want to mess that up.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Is that the same guy that JJMag used for his setup?

 

[luckydude]

Is that the same guy that JJMag used for his setup?

Yes. JJMag is Joe, he's a friend of mine, we fish together. His pilot house is what got me thinking about it. And Gary in Santa Cruz just had his 228 converted by the same guy.

 

[glacierbaze]

Are the windows glass, or some form of plexi, that might be curved? A one piece windshield would really improve visibility.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Yes. JJMag is Joe, he's a friend of mine, we fish together. His pilot house is what got me thinking about it. And Gary in Santa Cruz just had his 228 converted by the same guy.

I figured it would be the same... very cool though and post a few pictures when you get a chance!

 

[luckydude]

Are the windows glass, or some form of plexi, that might be curved? A one piece windshield would really improve visibility.

2 rectangles for the front, like a Whaler Conquest, and then sliders on the sides. All 1/4" glass from https://wynneinc.com.

 

[luckydude]

Removing the hard top (the blanket around the excavator boom is because I have a hydraulic leak, this was my "fix" so I didn't leak on the boat. Lame, I know, but it worked).

The windshield is for sale, the hardtop is going to Peter (first picture).

 

[luckydude]

Beginnings of the pilot house. The 3rd picture is my fave, I'm pretty happy with how that turned out. Charlie wanted to tilt the roof down in the front, I didn't. A buddy got one, also on a 228, and his roof is 7 inches lower in the front. It's a different look. I wanted mine higher so I can get boxes under the roof but still high enough that if the boat pounds and I swing forward, I don't wack my head on them (I'm 6'2" in bare feet, being tall might be great with the ladies but it can suck too).

 

[Automated14]

wow that looks great! I'd love to fully enclose my 330 like that. can't stand the canvas and can't afford 500k for a newer one that has the full enclosure already lol

 

[DennisG01]

Using the excavator is cheating... you're supposed to use a buddy to help lift it off by hand and during the struggle bang and chip things along the way!

Roof line... I think that roof line looks GREAT just the way it is! In fact, I don't think it would look quite as good if it was 7" lower.

 

[Automated14]

having it "lean" back like it is makes it look professional and not like some dude just made it. I really like it!!

 

[glacierbaze]

Coming along quickly, looking great. I don't quite see how he goes from a curved windshield to squared off corners. It looks like it overhangs a bit, right above the horns. Next time you're there, can you take some pics from inside? I like that he minimizes the width of the the uprights.
Other than the top, is it all one piece? What guage Al?

 

[luckydude]

Coming along quickly, looking great. I don't quite see how he goes from a curved windshield to squared off corners. It looks like it overhangs a bit, right above the horns. Next time you're there, can you take some pics from inside? I like that he minimizes the width of the the uprights.

The corners over hang but they are plated on the bottom so the plate comes back to where the curve was.

More pics when I get them, probably monday.

And, yeah, I'm digging how it looks. Though the look was pretty motivated by wanting big boxes up top.

 

[Sdfish]

That rig will be Bad Ass! Cant wait to see it finished!