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Converting a convertible to an express?

Discussion in 'General Sportfish Discussion' started by P46-Curaçao, Dec 12, 2014.

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  1. P46-Curaçao, Dec 12, 2014
    #1
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    Has anyone did a job like this?

    From this Ocean (just an example):
    ss.jpg
    To this beauty (just some photo shopping):
    ssss.jpg
  2. Kafue, Dec 12, 2014
    #2
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    Check out Slane Marine.
    http://www.slanemarine.com/
    He is from the family that started Hatteras and does amazing work on the old Hatteras hulls. My favourite is Pole Pusher.
  3. P46-Curaçao, Dec 13, 2014
    #3
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    ...but as far a I can see, no conversions from convertible to express
  4. jhall767, Dec 13, 2014
    #4
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    My friend did it to a 32 marinette. That boat was available in either configuration and it was simply a matter of unbolting the flybridge and removing the flybridge wiring harnesses, cables etc. They were separate from the rest of the boat. . If you want to do it I suggest looking for a boat that was available in either configuration.
  5. Kafue, Dec 13, 2014
    #5
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    These can be found on his site. Here is a vintage 46 Hatteras Convertible, made into an express:
    http://www.slanemarine.com/brokerage/46hatteras.html
    and a 50 Convertible hull ready for a new fitout as an express:
    http://www.slanemarine.com/brokerage/50hatteras.html

    On the internet I have also seen two vintage 53 Convertible hulls that are now express boats. They make a striking express!
  6. olderboater, Dec 13, 2014
    #6
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Just don't use the method Rockstar used.
  7. Capt Ralph, Dec 13, 2014
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I think my friend may be using the wrong term (express). What would call a sport convertible without the bridge but keep the deck house? Probably really nicely set up deck house knowing his work.
    I have visions of a new sport cruiser based on an old Fexas Commuter era. Can't wait to see da bar area.
  8. Kafue, Dec 13, 2014
    #8
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    I am slow, just got that!
  9. Capt Ralph, Dec 13, 2014
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I thought that was PFF. Every now and then, us bright guys don't catch them all.;)
  10. ranger58sb, Dec 14, 2014
    #10
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    What would be the purpose of such a conversion?

    FWIW, our boat brand was in the process (7-8 years ago) of developing some models that shared the same hull and house... some with flying bridge, some without. Didn't happen (at least in any large that I know of), but the renderings were interesting.

    -Chris
  11. P46-Curaçao, Dec 14, 2014
    #11
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    I got inspired by this gorgeous 58' Donzi Express Sportfish by Roscioli

  12. P46-Curaçao, Dec 14, 2014
    #12
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    Donzi calls it an Express, but I had to check first myself, but anyhow, now everybody knows what I mean...
  13. olderboater, Dec 14, 2014
    #13
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Just seeing who is awake and alert.
  14. Capt J, Dec 14, 2014
    #14
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No, it's an express.....IMO. I've seen the boat several times, very beautiful but maintanence hungry with all of the woodwork and black hull.
  15. P46-Curaçao, Dec 14, 2014
    #15
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    ...if the maintanence was the only problem, I had it already in my slip...:cool: LOL
    But I agree Capt J, she is a real beauty!
  16. Capt Ralph, Dec 14, 2014
    #16
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Then the examples above are call Open Express?
  17. P46-Curaçao, Dec 14, 2014
    #17
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    I agree Ralph, most of them are a open Express, but the Donze is a real Express!
  18. Capt Ralph, Dec 14, 2014
    #18
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm with ya buddy.

    With the kids sending those pictures in and knowing that was not what you were thinking, I questioned the terminology myself.

    I recall a thread awhile back trying to define a Sedan, SF, Convertible and other model names. Not sure if all ever agreed on anything. Un-written, I think all realized it's what the wife wanted to call it and the thread ended.
  19. ranger58sb, Dec 15, 2014
    #19
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    I'd guess it'd be easier/faster and maybe less expensive to buy an off-the-shelf Tiara express, compared to converting an existing flying bridge boat... unless the latter is significantly older, etc.

    -Chris
  20. Capt Ralph, Dec 15, 2014
    #20
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    significantly
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