F-26 Hardtop version vs Flybridge version

Diablo · Post by **Diablo** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 5:36 pm

I'd like to get the group's feedback on the F-26 model's handling and performance characteristics configured with the flybridge verses the hardtop. I assume the extra weight and windage of the flybridge model would cause it to be somewhat "tippier" (is that a word?) and possibly slower but am not sure whether the differance would be very noticable.

I would like to get your feedback. Are there any from the group that have experienced the handling of both models?

Thanks

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 6:08 pm

Don't have any real experience with the F26 in that configuration, but over the years I have looked at a bunch of boats, and in general found (for my comfort) that I wouldn't want a flybridge on anything smaller than a 28' (sea ray, chris craft, trojan, steury, I even looked at a bayliner).

If you look at any specifically, imagine yourself + 2-3 other people on the bridge, all standing on the same side of the boat, then imagine wind or waves on the beam... and decide how comfortable you feel. The boat weighs around 6,000 pounds - 3 people on the bridge is about 8-10% of the boat's weight, all on one side and that high off the water.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:15 pm

I think the word you're looking for is "top heavy"

If you could take a ride on a flybridge boat, comparable to that size boat, you may get a sense of the feel and be able to decide.

I love my flybridge and have never driven from below, on it.
But, there have been times when being up there can be a little interesting.

Commissionpoint · Post by **Commissionpoint** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:22 pm

I've seen F-26's with bridges on them. Never been on one though. I had a buddy with a 26 Sea Ray that had a bridge on it from about the same vintage though. It was definately a bit disconcerting in certain conditions, but at no point did I think we would turtle over.

I'd like to hear more about folks experience on the 26 equipped with a bridge. Smallest Trojan with a bridge I have been on was an F-28. I think those are very cool boats in that size range that have a stable bridge on them.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:30 pm

Just pick your days for using the flybrige . the added weight of the brige it self should not make any noticeable difference .

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:00 pm

prowlersfish wrote:Just pick your days for using the flybrige . the added weight of the brige it self should not make any noticeable difference .

Agreed. My point was not the bridge weight itself, but the weight of the bodies that are up on it when in use. My sources (Powerboat Guide from 2000) tell me the 26 has about a 10' beam (10' 2" to be exact). The 28' has a 12'3" beam and the 32' has 13'... so you can get a sense of additional stability as size goes up just a bit.

Having said that, some 25-26 footers from other vendors only have 8' - 8'6" beams, and are that much less stable.

Bottom line - everyone's comfort zone is a bit different. Realistically you need something that you and your passengers are comfortable with, or its just going to be a royal pain... Make sure you have enough beam to make everyone comfortable before you go up top.

For the record : closely spaced and steep 4-5 footers on the beam make the bridge on my F32 VERY uncomfortable as I am not really rocking - I am being thrown side to side 2-3 feet for each wave... Only had to endure it a couple of times, but not fun at all (normally I take a course to mitigate conditions, zig-zagging if necesary, but sometimes channel / inlet / wind direction mis-align to give you conditions you don't want but have no way of changing).

Commissionpoint · Post by **Commissionpoint** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:15 pm

captainmaniac wrote: closely spaced and steep 4-5 footers on the beam make the bridge on my F32 VERY uncomfortable as I am not really rocking - I am being thrown side to side 2-3 feet for each wave... Only had to endure it a couple of times, but not fun at all (normally I take a course to mitigate conditions, zig-zagging if necesary, but sometimes channel / inlet / wind direction mis-align to give you conditions you don't want but have no way of changing).

Yes thats exactly my experience as well. Though I doubt you'd be taking 4 footers across the beam in a 26. Well, at least not for long. I would definately equate that to 2-3 foorters in the smaller craft though. Seatbelts should have been offered on that 268 Sea Ray I was talking about.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 6:17 am

If it gets to rocky just use the lower helm

Diablo · Post by **Diablo** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:23 am

Thanks for all the good information. I personally like the look of the Hardtop model F-26 better. The flybridge model doesn't look as nice to me. It make sense that the extra weight of the FB up high doesn't help the boat's performance.

Has anyone had any experience or advice removing the flybridge from an F-26 model? I'd rather find a Hardtop but have come upon a flybridge model that looks pretty decent so was wondering if it might be worth trying to remove the FB?

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:36 am

I think that for Flybridge looks a boat needs to be longer than 26'... personally I think 30' is a good minimum though the F28 Fly doesn't look bad.
I would prefer a Fly beam to be at least 13' for all the boat handling benefits you can imagine.

trojanmanXS · Post by **trojanmanXS** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 6:16 am

wondering how my boat will react when its finally done. I bought a 79 with flybridge and the po had a hartop made for it ,weighs about 100pounds guess we'll find out

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... eTheater=1

Diablo · Post by **Diablo** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 6:28 am

trojanmanXS,

Cant get the pics to show.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Nov 05, 2011 6:36 am

Looks good , maybe you have to be a facebook user to see them ??

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Sun Nov 06, 2011 6:39 pm

Diablo wrote: ..... I personally like the look of the Hardtop model F-26 better. The flybridge model doesn't look as nice to me......?

I think the F26 looks overbuilt with a flybridge too. Do you plan on trailering your boat? Mine sits 11.5 feet off the road on the trailer, with out the FB.

bthomas70 · Post by **bthomas70** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:51 pm

I have been on both hardtop and flybridge versions. You can of course feel more motion while on the bridge, but from below I couldn't tell the difference. I enjoy running from the flybridge more than the lower station and while I haven't been out on open water, I never have felt uncomfortable on the flybridge. I think Trojan rated the flybridge for only 300 pounds capacity so you're not going to be having a party up there, but it's nice for two people. One other thing, it is a good place to store gear or supplies on extended cruises. Unless you really don't like the look of it or want to trailer I don't think it's worth removing.