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"Portuguese bridge design" means WHAT?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by BenSeattle, Aug 23, 2006.

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  1. BenSeattle, Aug 23, 2006
    #1
    BenSeattle

    BenSeattle New Member

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    I see this over and over: Portuguese bridge but I yet to see anywhere how this style of bridge differs from any other. Help a brother out? :)

    Thanks and happy cruising
  2. Garry Hartshorn, Aug 23, 2006
    #2
    Garry Hartshorn

    Garry Hartshorn Senior Member

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    It's the walkway in front of the bridge windows
  3. Loren Schweizer, Aug 23, 2006
    #3
    Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    ...Separated from the foredeck by a (generally) waist-high bulwark.
  4. KCook, Aug 24, 2006
    #4
    KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    The Portuguese bridge borders on being a legal requirement for expedition yachts and trawlers ;) .
    [​IMG]
    This one is unusually spacious. Typically they are not so deep, front-to-back. May or may not also feature a passageway on the centerline down to the foredeck.

    Any boat big enough for a Portuguese bridge would be big enough for me! :D :D

    Kelly Cook
  5. K1W1, Aug 24, 2006
    #5
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Where does it state that this is an "almost legal requirement".
  6. KCook, Aug 24, 2006
    #6
    KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    That was a miss-fired attempt at humor K1W1.

    Kelly
  7. JWY, Aug 24, 2006
    #7
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    A Portuguese bridge is a structural component frequently seen on trawlers because trawlers are typically (or more precisely "should be") built for being able to handle heavy seas. The purpose of the bridge is to deflect green water from the foredeck up over the superstructure top rather than slamming against the forward windows of the pilothouse. A secondary benefit is that it provides a "safe area" or handhold when it is necessary to be on the foredeck in inclement weather. And lastly, it provides additional storage space for lines, fire extinguisher, spare anchor, drogue, etc. if the builder has provided access doors and lockers on the inside of the bridge.

    One more useful tidbit: one of the Cape Horn trawlers was built with a small rectangular stainless open "box" on the inside of the bridge. Guess why. Hint: the #1 cause of men falling overboard...
  8. K1W1, Aug 24, 2006
    #8
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    I have never seen a Portugese Bridge arrangement where one could work on the foredeck and hang onto the rail around the outside of the bridge.

    Do you have any pictures of this type of arrangement that you could share with us?
  9. WannabeeYhtsman, Aug 24, 2006
    #9
    WannabeeYhtsman

    WannabeeYhtsman New Member

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    I'll take a stab at it.

    A place to be sea sick so you don't have to lean over the edge during bad weather?
  10. JWY, Aug 24, 2006
    #10
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    I am having trouble posting a picture. I will send it by private email and please post for me.

    Thanks!

    Judy
  11. AMG, Aug 24, 2006
    #11
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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  12. Arniev, Aug 24, 2006
    #12
    Arniev

    Arniev Senior Member

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    Hey, Kelly.
    Is that a picture of "Senses"?
    Looks like it.
    Arnie
    :)
  13. Arniev, Aug 24, 2006
    #13
    Arniev

    Arniev Senior Member

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    Hi, Lars.
    Your design for an 84-ft. Long Range Cruiser is truly a classic and timeless design. I like the clean and simple design, which also manages to impart a sense of stability and sturdiness.
    Thanks for sharing it with us.

    BTW ... whatever happened to that -copycat- Australian design?
    Were you able to get in touch with the Australian yard and get a response from them on the similarities between your yacht design and theirs?

    Arnie
    :)
  14. AMG, Aug 24, 2006
    #14
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Hi Arnie,

    This shipyard will be at the Monaco Yacht Show. If they are showing the design there, I think they will get one or two difficult questions from all the Yacht Brokers I know...
  15. KCook, Aug 24, 2006
    #15
    KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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  16. V65, Aug 24, 2006
    #16
    V65

    V65 Senior Member

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    Hi there Arnie, that is the Amels Karima (ex Maupiti):D
  17. Arniev, Aug 25, 2006
    #17
    Arniev

    Arniev Senior Member

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  18. WannabeeYhtsman, Aug 25, 2006
    #18
    WannabeeYhtsman

    WannabeeYhtsman New Member

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    And the answer is?
  19. AMG, Aug 25, 2006
    #19
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Let´s hear your best guess first! :rolleyes:
  20. WannabeeYhtsman, Aug 25, 2006
    #20
    WannabeeYhtsman

    WannabeeYhtsman New Member

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    Here's my best guess. Look forward to hearing others:)
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