Converting a convertible to an express?

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.

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.

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!

Just don't use the method Rockstar used.

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.

I am slow, just got that!

I thought that was PFF. Every now and then, us bright guys don't catch them all.

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

Just seeing who is awake and alert.

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.

Then the examples above are call Open Express?

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.

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

significantly