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HARD TOP CONVERSION COST?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Todder, Sep 2, 2021.

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  1. Todder, Sep 2, 2021
    #1
    Todder

    Todder New Member

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    I have been looking at various yachts of the smaller varieties between 46-60 ft. Pilothouses with flybridges. Ocean Alexander, Sonship etc. I am curious to know what the cost might be to convert an open flybridge or arch with canvas Bimini to an enclosed flybridge etc. I can assume the costs can vary greatly depending on the type of enclosure and windscreens etc. Just looking for options and approximate costs. Any help and advice is appreciated.
  2. ranger58sb, Sep 3, 2021
    #2
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Atlantic Towers is one company that specializes in this; you could check with folks like them...

    -Chris
  3. Todder, Sep 3, 2021
    #3
    Todder

    Todder New Member

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    Thank you
    I will look them up.
  4. DOCKMASTER, Sep 3, 2021
    #4
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Prepare for sticker shock. You are talking about a pretty major conversion. Lots of weight being added up high so stability needs assessment. Then there will be electrical, HVAC, lighting, plumbing, etc, etc. I suspect you may find this cost prohibitive vs. just finding what you want to start with.
    Kafue likes this.
  5. Ken Bracewell, Sep 3, 2021
    #5
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    I was thinking the same thing. If I were forced to put my finger in the air and take a guess, $50-$75K for a basic enclosure.
  6. Todder, Sep 3, 2021
    #6
    Todder

    Todder New Member

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    Yes,
    that is what I am thinking as well. I have seen a few that have had hardtop conversions that looked amazing...and expensive. In the PNW there are quite a few with the Bimini type canvas tops or open flybridges which are not West Coast conducive as you can attest. These boats are from the east coast would assume. Just looking for an an approximate cost because of this to see if it would be financially justified for us.
    Thanks DM
  7. Todder, Sep 3, 2021
    #7
    Todder

    Todder New Member

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    Ouch... Yeah that's allot. West bay Sonship is not too far away from me, I might ask them, I believe they do outside work other than building their own yachts. Speaking of which, I am considering a West bay, that I will post separate.
  8. RER, Sep 3, 2021
    #8
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Yup I think you’re in the ballpark. And I would be very selective who I use to do it.
  9. Kafue, Sep 3, 2021
    #9
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    I had a hard top designed & made by a professional boat builder after I purchased a new UNIESSE 48 with just a bimini. These were the days before you could buy the factory made hardtop 48. One of the most important things to remember is to use a professional to design the hard top. It is not as easy as you may think to get the right design. Beside looks/aesethetics, there is water run off & how the hard top will behave & look whilst underway. Forget about comparing this to simply adding fibreglass to what was stainless steel or alumium with canvas. Almost totally different behaviour of materials & interactions. As in all things that seem so simple, there is the detail & utility to take into account. It might not require a full blown yacht designer, but certainly will require a professional tradesman who has created GRP hardtops for boats in his past work.
  10. Kafue, Sep 3, 2021
    #10
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    Todder, while speaking to Westbay, ask if they have a "reject" or an old one or even a mold that you can utilise. Some of the larger shipyards will sometimes have a reject that was only tossed out for issues that you may well be able to live with or remedy. Could save you a whole lot of money...