*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Hey everyone, I am from Sydney Australia and have been looking at some American boats as a new boat. I prefer to go custom/semi-custom because I do 99% fishing on my boat, and there are those fine details on a custom build that you dont get on a production boat, even if your production boats are far superior to some Aussie brands.
Due to our conditions, express is not an option and is not really at all popular here, hence I am looking at flybridge only. However, in my search and just having a look at the various builders, I dont think I can remember any (maybe 1 or 2) that built custom flybridge boats in the 40-48 range, which is what I am looking for.
I love the Carolina flare of these boats, which is awesome as alot of our boats are really wet especially in rough conditions (I will be fishing this weekend in predicted 12-15ft seas - on a 35 caribbean/bertram flybridge). Hence, I HATE a wet boat.
So can anyone list some custom builders that build 40-48 foot flybridge boats? Optimum size would be 43-45.
Re: Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range
Hey dangerous dan, i had a look at the abobe builders websites that i could find (most of them) however it was still the same problem. All of those builders start their flybridges at over 50 foot, too big and too expensive for me! The only builder there was Briggs, who have built a 46 foot flybridge recently, anything else in that size from other builders is express
Re: Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range
Henriques Yachts From Bayville ,New Jersey Make a fabulous 38'&44' platform Both being well accepted with many offshore Capts. Jack is more of a semi production builder ,but has been known to very flexible to a clients needs. If I were to make a list of rough water boats, my experiences on the Bounty Hunter , Clarks Landing,Pt. Pleasant,N.J. 38' f/b would inevitably.at the top. I am sure the 44 would live up to your expectations. I have a friend who is presently in the market also,He is considering a builder called Judge Yachts, not sure if they are located in Delaware or Virginia, best to do a web search. I invited me to join him on his next visit. he is impressed so far by what he has seen Hope this helps. If you intend to visit Jack Henriques, give me a PM I live about a mile from his facility In any event ,Good luck with your endeavour Joe
Re: Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range
There are a couple of problems building custom flybridge boats in the 40 - 48' size range you mentioned. One, cost is a big issue in that it cost nearly as much to build a 45' hull as it does a 55' hull. And it costs about 2/3 as much to finish the inside of the 45' boat. Where there is a noticeable difference is in the cost of the engines to power these two boats in this example.
The second problem is a center of gravity problem; it is very difficult to get the center of gravity far enough aft. A flybridge has both a higher CG and a further forward CG than an express boat. This is why most custom boats in the size range you specified are expresses. Normally a marine architect is required to deal with this issue and that is an expensive proposition.
A 55' boat does not have this CG issue and this is why most of them are this size and bigger. The list of Carolina builders above all do a fine job. In a production boat, 2 great sea boats are built by Henriques in their 42 and Cabo in their 43.
Re: Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range
I would think it would be very difficult to succeed at a truly custom build without monthly trips (at least) to the builder. Many, if not most of the Carolina builders do not work from fully detailed drawings, and much is done by eye, experience, and direction of the customer. I would be aftraid the communication would be inadequate to capture the fine details you wish for.
It's also true that these builders favor the 50'+ size range, and while some will build smaller, there won't be a great cost incentive to do so.
What do you think of your own custom shops, for example, O'Brien, who makes a really nice looking 47'?
If the local custom builds are not up to par, I would suggest an Amercian production boat, and try to rig and customize locally to achieve your objectives. I'd be looking real hard at Viking (the 48') and Cabo (the 43') both extrememly high quality convertibles which will be trouble free and carry good resale value anywhere in the world.
RE: Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range
Daniel,
I designed the 47' Maximus American Marine. They just launched it last week, and is a great sea boat. The whole boat was designed in detail according to the owner's spec's. They can build pretty much anything you'd like. Check out pictures at my website www.egyachtdesigns.com and shoot me an email if you're interested.
Re: Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range
I would 2nd taking a good look at the 44 Henriques. It is not a custom Carolina - but it is a great boat. One of my all time favorites. The cockpit is huge and the boat is an incredible "sea" boat I spent 3 days in the NE Canyons 1x that was just down right UGLY conditions. I was never more impressed with a boat. Just out of curiosity, "due to your conditions, express is not an option" please explain. I can understand not wanting one - that is personal taste, but the conditions part has me stumped. What "conditions" is a 45 flybridge suitable for that a similar length express is not?
Custom built Flybridges in the 40-48 foot range 
