Sorry...ANOTHER SKIPJACK PILOTHOUSE THREAD...

skipopotamous · Sep-21-2008, 05:36 PM

Just acquired 1981 24 0pen and it needs some kinda top. Well after careful consideration and briefly chatting with three major tower builders-i decided to go way of fiberglass pilothouse. Having a 20ft open skippy with a aluminum arch, 5 years of weather the alum. didnt stand up so well. its probably my fault for not keeping up with the maint. So i told myself-the next top needed to be stainless with a hardtop or fiberglass pilothouse. Now my search started. Quickly realizing that a stainless hardtop starting at 8500 was way out of budget i moved to option B. I called Crystaliner in Costa Mesa and stopped by for a look see. Was quoted $6600.00 give or take without windows. There was a pilothouse 24 skippy in the yard, just couldn't see the money in the top unless it was all labor. Crystaliner over 100hr labor and 1500-2000 in material. I asked to see the mold which in response they make a temp-mold for every PH they fabricate. Couldn't see that either. Next step called Joe at Farallon Boats in Sacramento. Asked if he still had the mold, he confirmed. Gave me a price which was higher than mentioned in previous BD pilothouse threads. Finished off with windows and carpet $8600.00.

OUCH....i asked if there was a cheaper option.

With in two weeks i was on my way with trailer in tow to West Scramento. Installed the top today. i was really amazed with the detail of the pilothouse. Have no complaints on my end. Unlike OJ's left glove-it fit amazingly well. Dealing with Farallon was a breeze, who would have known. I'll continue to post as the project progresses. Here we go another 24 skippy project.

I do have the old windshield for sale and a waterline boat cover good condition wont fit anymore can you guess why?

skipopotamous · Sep-21-2008, 05:38 PM

Next stop... Windows and stainless grab rails and 8 rod holders.

ConSeaMate · Sep-21-2008, 06:19 PM

That looks really good.............

Crash · Sep-21-2008, 06:23 PM

so how much did you end up spending?

Looks really nice!

?? fisherman · Sep-21-2008, 06:32 PM

NICE!!

That is a BITCHEN upgrade right there! Totally changes the boat.

So did you end up shelling out $8600.00 ??? Or did you get a better deal?

The unknown fisherman

skipopotamous · Sep-21-2008, 07:00 PM

Yeah...got a better deal and more than i bargained for. All i requested was just pop it out of the mold and ill take care of the rest. Got Basic wiring in the mold, windows grounded and black trim all around the top and some kind of spiderweb gelcoat finish inside far more than i asked for. Dont get me wrong i paid a pretty penny. Aluminum goes bad, canvas tears and eisn/strada glass does scratch!!! Never again.

Oh ya...they dont have the mold for the 20ft open. I had to make a new windshield for my old 20ft cruiser.

I have No problem making windows

Will post all prices top stainless ect. at the end of project

SKIPPYS ROCK........because Im poor

P.S. If you have the 24 flybridge dont even bother with Grant at SEA

AND SKI

furniture 4 me · Sep-21-2008, 08:50 PM

only 8 rod holders man i would say a few more if possible

willit float · Sep-21-2008, 09:27 PM

Rad set up.....

rrhookup · Sep-21-2008, 09:51 PM

I have a full Farallon pilothouse and love it. You'll appreciate it in the coming cooler months, especially during those green water over the bow days here in So Cal. Add a canvas/eisenglass removable rear cover and you'll be set. She's sure to be a sweet ride when she's all done. Enjoy putting the final touches on her.

For reference here's a pic of a friends 26 Farallon with your open back PH setup