Pilothouse conversion.

[Seon]

Was looking for a hardtop for my '86 21' WA.  Did a search on the net where there are several company that fabricate them but the cost and shipping will cost more than what I paid for the boat plus I'll need to buy the frame tubing.
Then I thought that a pilothouse would be the ticket. Anyone converted their boat to pilothouse? It would seem to be relatively much cheaper to fabricate one.
Although it's not a Proline, here's a pic of a pilothouse that would look nice.

[231CALIFORNIA]

lots of guys out here on west coast do pilot houses on fishing boats, some look great some look like they are redneck.
I have that in the back of my mind but dont want to end up with one too redneck. prefabricated ones are avail , but like hardtops they are too expensive.
if you find a scrapped 21 with a hardtop maybe you could switch it over?
otherwise if you do your own pilothouse , consider posting job pictures and progress here , im pretty sure your not alone
.

[a7ewizard]

So much to do to a new boat to get it dialed in!

I had a full bimini enclosure which was great for comfort. Then, I had a custom Stainless arch built to mount a radar (which I have locally for sale, BTW). Then, the bimini was worn out and I, too, wrestled with the thought of a PH.

I never got any estimates but I felt it would be too expensive relative to the boat. And, I don't have anywhere to try to tackle that project myself.

So, I went the hardtop and enclosure route. www.pacificyachttowers.com will have it done in a week. The curtains were done after I get back. Plan a few days to fish Dorado and YT after its done to make the trip south worthwhile!



The radar arch was built to fit within the bimini top. I still have the bimini, which could be re-done and may fit your boat. PM me if you think you want to look into this further.

[Seon]

Hey Wiz, I called and was quoted at $3800 plus tax & shipping for a pre-fab PH.  As stated, not cost effective for me.  Send me a pm with pics & price on your arch.  That may work if it's not too much  .

231CA, I agree about some conversion looks factory while others looks redneck.  I'm doing some searching for a used hardtop then go from there. 

[231CALIFORNIA]

a couple years ago I was considerign a "Pacific yt " top, but when i did the math  and added towing fuel down to them ,california tax, enclosure costs ,rocket launcher,etc I choked.
I regret it maybe once a year when We get really wet but when i consider the cost on all the other trips  I enjoy the open boat feel.
price was reasonable back when boat new but
I had the choice of a  loaded 21 with a top or a nearly stipped 231 without .
the Cruising range of the 231 tilted the balance.
everything is a tradeoff.

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