Removing the lower helm from an f32

[Cmount]

So, while we sat there drinking lots of cocktails one day last week, my drinking buddy had an idea to remove the lower helm and clean up the look of the salon. Now in my F32, the previous owner put in hydraulic steering and only hooked up the bridge. And I will only navigate from up there, so I would look to keep the instruments and controls, but remove the big white housing, and of course the wheel.

It would really change the look.

Has anyone ever done this? Any thoughts as to downfalls? Again, I will be able to run from below with the throttles and gearshifters, and all the gauges will remain, but will be reconfigured to streamline the look.

Any input is welcome, weather you think I'm nuts and should stop drinking, or if you think it could work. I really like the idea, since even in the worst storm, running from below is not an option for me.

Thanks

[rmatt]

I had a 1978 F32 that I removed the lower station. I took all out except the gauges and switches. I did not leave the shift and throttle controls. If I remember correctly the gauges were mounted in a black plastic panel which I kept intact. When the fiberglass helm comes out there is room below in the vertical area above the battery switch and breaker panel to mount the gauges. You will have to put a couple pieces of wood in to support the gauge panel and make a fold down panel to cover the gauges. I made the panel frame from teak 3/4x2 and put a piece of smoked plexiglass in the frame. The amount of room you will gain is significant.I never felt as I needed the shift and throttle but being able to start the engines without going to the bridge was great especially when winterizing was done. I disconnected the throttle linkage when I needed to work on the engines and needed the use the throttle. Do it,you will be glad you did.

[Cmount]

Thanks...project begins right after the holiday. I will send progress photos.

[prowlersfish]

It has been done by some others also . I have thought about it also . I only use the lower helm when working on the engines

[K4282]

I use my lower helm often, I think it was actually added from a older model, I would never want to remove it and probably wouldn't purchase one without it, mines a 73 and my friends 80 has no lower and I don't think he gains any much room, it has a radio and some storage instead

[rmatt]

You don't have the same lower station as the later F32's. The lower station consist of a fairly large fiberglass unit bolted to the bulkhead. Without it much room is gained. My experience with the F32 with the station is that the vessel cannot be operated safely at speed because of lack of visibility. In slow speed, yes it can be used. Can't see for docking. Took mine out and have been very happy without it. I guess it's all about what works for you. Different strokes so to speak.
Bob

[captainmaniac]

I use my lower helm often, I think it was actually added from a older model, I would never want to remove it and probably wouldn't purchase one without it, mines a 73 and my friends 80 has no lower and I don't think he gains any much room, it has a radio and some storage instead

That station looks a lot like what my father's '69 had, with the exception that the wood on dad's was covered with green vinyl, the wheel was a wood spoke wheel (that I now have on my F32), and his 28' was single engine.

[Commissionpoint]

That station looks a lot like what my father's '69 had......

Agreed. It looks about 1970 vintage to me as well. Maybe out of a wood decked 30 express.

[prowlersfish]

Perhaps being a early F32 the where using up the older helms

[summer storm]

I can't upload a PDF page for some reason but here is a cut and paste from the book I am dragging my feet on. I'm getting there but it's a slow process. Anyway, the cockpit photo is from 1973 and it shows the factory helm on a F32 Sportfisherman so yours was modified sometime in its life.

[prowlersfish]

summer storm , I also have looked but the could have changed mid year or a 72 build year 73/ model . Or as you say could have been a add on later . the early lower glass helm where ugly IMO his looks better .


I can not find a photo of a 1972 F32 helm .

[K4282]

I believe its a older helm, everything works, I believe it was added as the cut is unprofessional near the steering and theirs no rear facia covering some of the back, I'm going to make one as well as sand and cetol the wood this year...love love love having it there, like I said I use it constantly and is a selling point, my pictures are posting off center, ill see what else I have to share

[prowlersfish]

Very true it is a selling point .Every one wants a lower helm till they have one

If I did not have a full enclosure there have been a few times I may have used mine . But i don't remember using the lower helm on my Owens w/a open fly bridge

[Big D]

Looks like it's off a woodie, I have the same one in mine.

[Cmount]

If anyone has any pictures of a 76 to 79 vintage that they remove the helm I would appreciate it. My plan is to take mine out since I do not drive from below