Maynard G. Krebbs wrote:

How tough would it be to remove the flybridge on a 30' Fales Carib?
Say this one:
http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/p...71&slim=quick&

Probably a stupid question but I love that boat but hate flybridges
for long-term live-aboard and crusing.

It can be done, in fact there was an article within the past couple
years on removing the flybridge from an older Marine Trader trawler.
This was done by some folks who didn't have much expertise and it came
out OK.

I'm not a fan of flybridges either; we bought a trawler without one. We
specifically looked for a boat with very good sight lines from the helm,
and doors athwart the helm station on both sides (amazing how few
powerboats are designed to let the helmsman do more than just stand
there & steer). This boat looks like it might not have such good sight
lines and there appears no way to get out on deck from the helm.

All that aside, it's a cool boat and might be just what you want, except
for the flybridge. It would improve the boat's weight & stability. A lot
of these boats have a bicycle chain from the flybridge steering down to
the main helm, I kid you not. This would be easy to fix. Hydraulic would
be a bit more challenge but no sweat if you're handy... just more time &
work (drain the system, trace & blank off the correct legs, refill &
bleed). It may even offer a good way to install a hydraulic autopilot
later on. The wiring is likely to be more difficult, especially if the
flybridge is the primary station with switches that have no duplicate
below. But then I'm spoiled, I don't have to work on old boat wiring
much & so can indulge my distaste for it....

Cool boat... but I have to agree overall with the advice- if you want a
boat with no flybridge (and with a stern platform, freezer, davits, etc
etc) the best route is to buy one with those features. You may get
started on your modifications and suddenly find it's impossible, that's
why it wasn't there to start with.

Been there, done that, got the epoxy-stained T-shirt.

Fair Skies
Doug King