bass boat or cabin?

[wiggy]

I'm almost at the point on my Seaway 23 project where I need to decide if I'm gonna go with a teak framed windshield and put the old bimini top on her and leave her as a bass boat or if I should build up a hardtop cabin.

The bass boat would be easier (and cheaper) but a small cabin might be nice when I'm out with the family. I'm planning on using the boat as a bay cruiser with some striper fishing also.

Anyone that has similar setups to wither style, I'd love to get your opinions before I start the next phase of work on my boat.

 

[Eastporter]

A pilothouse is easy to build, and is very useful. I built one for my 20' Eastporter in my garage. See photos for details.

 

[wiggy]

A pilothouse is easy to build, and is very useful. I built one for my 20' Eastporter in my garage. See photos for details.

Eastporter, nice work! I really like the three windows. Inspiring!

 

[Eastporter]

More pilothouse photos

Wynne Enterprises for aluminum windows (safety glass).

 

[wiggy]

Eastporter, How did you come up with the pattern?

 

[Eastporter]

I made the pattern for one side and copied it for the other. The three front windows are the same- make one and copy. I used the Eastern 22' for design ideas but created a 6" visor to be more functional for sun and rain. Whatever you do- make sure to put some camber (curvature) to the roof so it sheds water. I think I have a 1 1/2" taper on each side.

 

[MouseTrap]

Wiggy, where will you be boating? (BillD will tell you to update your profile, under your name)

Now that I have had a pilot house, I wouldn't live without one. I know a bass boat w/ a Bimini top offers some protection, but a pilot house offers more. If you are more Southerly, a retractable Bimini might be more appealing.

 

[wiggy]

It'll spend most of its time in the northern Chesapeake. I think a hatch on top and some windows that open would be fine on the bay. Oh, I updated my info : )

 

[captainlarry84]

Bimini’s and canvass are nothing but a headache and maintenance. Do it right and build a house with core & glass over. Wynne windows are the best value.

 

[wiggy]

Maybe I'll make one like this. I like the Wynne windows that hinge open. They'd allow a lot of fresh air in on a hot day.

 

[rrr]

enclosed helm

you have mail

 

[BillD]

A pilothouse is easy to build, and is very useful. I built one for my 20' Eastporter in my garage. See photos for details.

East,

Very nice work.

I have two questions.

1. Is your garage attached to the house ? When you were laying up the plywood with resin etc., how was the smell in the house or did you ventilate?

2. How is hull stability on the drift with the weight of the plywood up that high ?

Thanks, Bill D

 

[Eastporter]

East,

Very nice work.

I have two questions.

1. Is your garage attached to the house ? When you were laying up the plywood with resin etc., how was the smell in the house or did you ventilate?

2. How is hull stability on the drift with the weight of the plywood up that high ?

Thanks, Bill D

Thank you for the compliment. I used West System Epoxy so no detectable fumes, but toxic so I opened garage doors for ventilation (yes it is attached to the house). I always wear a respirator when working with epoxy. The boat has a round bilge and fairly flat bottom, it rolls with the pilothouse (center of gravity being higher). The house is not that heavy without windows, but the windows add another 100 lbs. or so. I'm adding trim tabs this spring so I'll keep you posted on the results. It rides bow high now, due to so much weight in the new stringers, floor, transom, gunnels, washboards, and four stroke- little weight comparatively in the bow.

 

[JoFishes]

I like them both ways......with house and opened up. That's why I just had to buy another boat...Jo

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Jo, what is your center console? Looks like a great little boat.

 

[JoFishes]

It's a chesapeake hull built by Kinnamon boatworks( now Roe's boatworks)on St.Michaels Island, MD.
Bought the hull and started over as I usually do. Rides really well and carries quite a load. She's actually 26X9 and has almost the same footprint as my Seaway so not that small.Jo

 

[Tombo]

Based on my experience and what you said about including use with "family" on board, I especially recommend at least a small cuddy cabin. If speed and weight (or horsepower) are not an issue, I now prefer a well ventilated hard top instead of a Navy top and/or Bimini--so much more protection/security from sun and rain.

I keep looking at the picture of your boat and my hull---may I ask what year is your Seaway 23 and the first letters of the MIC on the transom? My boat is a "POGO" design by Fred Bates , built by Windy Hollow Boatshop about 1977, but with a 'glass hull and MIC that translates to a Seaway (Maine) hull---my boat's hull looks much like the Seaway 23 in their Aug 1979 Small Boat Journal ad. I'm still trying to clarify my boat's history.

Thanks and best wishes for your project. Tom (Florida)

 

[wiggy]

Tom, sorry I didn't see your response. My paperwork says '85 I'll have to dig it out and find the hull number. My father-in-law, a cabinet maker has offered to help build a teak lobster-style windshield and I'm making a hardtop mold to glass a hardtop for it. Sort of a compromise between the cabin and a bass boat.

 

[Tombo]

bass boat or cabin

Thanks for the reply---and any more info you have. Please keep posting drawings/pictures---sounds like your boat may look more like mine, but more than "workboat."

Also, if you have a chance, please comment on your cockpit deck height relative to the waterline---I'm still learning to live with a "wet deck" and a "sump pump" in the cockpit.

Have you looked at any of the POGO design posts on the WoodenBoat Magazine forum?---especially those by Harry Hammond? R/Tom

 

[voodoojfb]

I like the top vs bass boat