idea

[chesapeake_dreamin]

Ok, I've been researching this stitch and glue thing as well as the idea of a pilot house. Lets face it, I'm too old to keep chasing the blue water. Besides, here in GA that means a 70+ mile trip one way and most if not all my fishing is done within 1/5 miles or the bays. Besides that, the whole reason for the boat is the wife and kids and getting them on the water with me. So with this said, I think I'll be addingthe pilot house to the v18 and I know it'll slow me down a bit but 20+ knotts is just fine for where I take the kids fishing. The more important thing is making them comfortable. Here's a pic I fooled with to get a feel for what I want it to look like, I wan't oppinions, what you guys think of the idea.
Mark
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z197/chesapeake_dreamer/dreamin.jpg

[chesapeake_dreamin]

that's 1 to 5 miles not 1/5 mile

[macojoe]

Looks like a lot of money & weight for a 18 footer?

I think I would like it better if you moved up to a V20 and did it.

But if thats what you want then so be it!!

But I love the Idea, and it looks great! I like it! ;)

[chesapeake_dreamin]

I have a project v20 and I agree it maybe worth the wait. Besides, once I finish the floor in this one, I'd rather be fishing and add the house to the project boat.

[msbhammer]

I think it looks cool. ;D ;) 8) But might cost ya big bucks. I'm already digging myself deep with the West System. :-/ on my project V.

[chesapeake_dreamin]

it uses 1/4 or 3/8 ply so a bit cheaper but everything I read suggest epoxy resin and that's big bucks. Wifey just called and I think we've agreed, get this one back on the water and add a pilot house to the project v20. Being it needs a total rebuild, I can beef up the stringers and bulk heads for the extra weight add some good horse power and never notice the extra pounds. Besides, it's going to be for nearshore fishing no need to haul *** out 40+miles.

[spareparts]

Try building it with blue foam, use wood on the corners for strenght, cover with epoxy and glass( most fiberglass resin will disolve blue foam, most epoxys won,t but test your brand before doing it). Building it with blue foam will allow you to change the shape and experiament before starting the glass work. If you want safety glass windshields, use kenworth glass( from the older ones with the split windshield) they used to sell for $85 each( two pane front glass), and you can use the factory rubber, if you dont want glass, use poly carbonite or tempered plexi( should weigh less than safety glass)

[Stillrunning]

From that picture it does not look high enough to stand up in.

[Hammerhead]

I'd look into a canvas enclosure first. You could even fabricate on yourself for kicks. It would save alot on costs, weight and remain a mixed use boat.

[Airslot]

Hammerhead, thats a great idea. My photoshop skilz ain't that great, but you could make it look something like this:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/Airslot/BiminiPics002-1.jpg

[macojoe]

I got a enclouser with my new boat curtins are great but the bimini is shot I have to find someone to sew me a new one, But they all want a arm and a leg to do it :'(