Well, I'll find out when I get offshore in the Gulf chop. If it comes apart and falls in the gulf, I'll have to try something else. :eek:

You have back up if needed :)

strick

Thanks, Chuck. I'll let you know how it performs. The frame is pretty stiff all by itself, so I'm optimistic it will do fine. It will probably take a beating better than I do.
Dave

Dave,
I think we're all eagerly waiting to see how she performs!
I watched the running shots many times ... what a beautiful boat!

Thanks, Carla. We're planning on a trip to Islamorada the week of June 11. If you'll be around, we'll plan to stop by and say hi on the way down. I'm looking forward to showing you and Skip the final product in person.
Dave

Looks wonderful!!

You are right to cut the windshield down a little. the boat will look even better than original and being able to run and look over the windshield is a huge advantage. Not being able to do that easily is one of the very few things I don't like about mine.

Connor

Not a ride ????!!!!!????!!!!!!
I'll look forward to seeing her on your way down! She's such a beauty and your posts are like a book of "how to's" and some great ideas ... can I add her to MSC Proud Owners?

Actually, I was checking google earth yesterday to see how far it is from your place to Breezy Palms in Islamorada where we're staying. Looks like about 14 miles. I was thinking I could drop the boat in the water somewhere close to you, take you guys for a ride, and then run down the outside to Breezy Palms. I just have to get the logistics of crew and truck figured out. If that doesn't work, we could come by after fishing one day.


Let me get the windshield and bimini on her and I'll post a pic on your site.

Dave

Dave ... We'll keep it simple and drive to where you are ... Then go for a ride in your awesome boat and buy you a drink. Can't wait til June!

Carla,
That makes a lot more sense. Especially the part about the drink. :D

Connor,
Thanks for the kind words. Your comments about the windshield are spot on. The windshield on my 20 sf was at exactly the wrong height until I cut it down, so I took particular interest in making sure this one works.

I've made more progress on the windshield frame. I got all the fastener holes filled with epoxy paste and then redrilled. I got my bimini top Friday, and I wanted to have the windshield frame in place when I located the bimini, so the frame went back on the boat today. I drilled my fastener holes so it will be ready to mount as soon as I get a few coats of varnish on it.

Here are a couple pics with my son Tyler demonstrating the view forward while sitting or standing.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4216.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4217.jpg

And here are a couple with the bimini installed. In the second one, you can see how the tops of the windshield frames are all in the same plane. I really like the look that gives it.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4220.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/IMG_4221.jpg

It's starting to look more finished. Still a lot to do.
Dave