I know that is a dangerous request, but here it goes:

I am considering replacing my bridge enclosures this winter. The current set is 11 years old and getting ragged. After talking with several canvas contractors, it has been suggested to totally remove the large venturi wind screen. In its place, sheets of hard acrylic, like EZ2CY, would extend from the hard top to the super structure. This would in effect change the look of this rather classic vessel. However, if you look at Dick's original design the large venturi was not included in his design drawing. I am seeking opinions on my options. Let the suggestions begin.


















edit: Image enlarged

Hi Terry,

I have always admired your 42 TF/SF. I think she would be even more beautiful with a smaller venturi or the hard panels (as part of the enclosure) you describe. I wondered why the existing venturi was so tall, but I guessed it was a "form follows function" sort of thing. I have never boated on "the lakes" so maybe it is needed to keep the spray off the bridge. My 36' did not have the venturi when I got her, so my enclosure is similar to what you are suggesting doing to yours. The clear panels wrap down over the SS tubing and attach to the flybridge. I am also considering installing a venturi back on my boat, just like Mr. Avery drew it. Anyway, my 2 cents, you asked!

Regards, Greg

Greg,

I am leaning towards removing it altogether.

Terry

Both look great but I lean towards the original sketch design as well, either way you end up with a sweet ride. I also agree with Klockanuts, go wiith the blue hull while your at it.........just kidding, I'm bias to the cream hulls.
Steve
"Bear Z Girl"

Hi
I would get rid of it. Previous owner did on my 42. Looks much better just my opinion.
John Even
1979 42 Sport Fish
" Punch List "

John,

They don't come any better than Punch List. I have always admired your boat and will be copying some of the teak trim work onto Bella. I do like the look of the boat without the venturi and will likely move toward taking it off. What the heck, I can always put it back on or modify it if the angle proves too steep for the acrylic. Without the venturi it appears we have a 4 to 5 degree back slant. We are going to lay up some patterns and take a visual of the angle. It may be that we tuck the top edge of the new enclosure under the lip of the hard top to get better slope. This would create a little eave type look.

Terry

Mr. Avery's original drawing IS sharp! I vote for the smaller treatment...
and a blue hull, since you asked for opinions...

John Kloka

John,

If I had your money, maybe. It is quite sharp though.

Terry

I thought it would be helpful to Terry and for the others commenting on this thread, to see these photos we have in the files of the big 45. In addition, I've tossed in some additional sketches and photos that can be used as a comparison and guide.

Cheers!

Paul











Terry aboard Bella Donna (the view from inside)

Hi Terry,

I have attached a photo of a 45 with a smaller venturi. I think it is a bad idea to get rid of it completly. It would create a situation where the hardtop will extend beyond the base of the flybridge forcing the panels to slant outwards. A better solution in my opinion, is to make it smaller, possibly even flirt with the idea of making it clear or blue.
By the way, one of these boats might be yours.

?t=1225956301


John Austin

I think the small venturi is the correct answer... looks sleek, yet remains functional as a venturi should. Just my two cents... would look great with the blue hull

John Kloka.

I would reduce the size down to where it aligned with and became a continuation of the fiberglass line at the flybridge, as shown in the photoshopped image below.



In addition, I would ask John Kloka to cut back on his white zinfindel tab at the yacht club, save enough money for a blue paint job, and ask him to donate it to the cause. When I got the money I would forget all about the paint job, ha ha.

Regards,

Paul

Paul has done a fine job of illustrating what I think is the way to go...
And I'm more of a MD 20/20 type of wino...
And Terry, We can always get a 5 gallon bucket of Kush paint (blue) and a roller and let 'er rip!

Klokanuts.

Paul,

Great job with the photoshop. Can you do the photo eliminating the venturi?

The problem with shortening the windscreen is the "seam" drops into the line of sight and really becomes distracting. I have run a 2" wide piece of masking tape across the approximate line where you have chopped the screen. When sitting at the helm the seam line creates a vision problem that cuts across an arc about 8" above the bow. This is a bit disconcerting. When standing, as I do when docking, the seam line is not so bad, but still distracting.

I am leaning toward total removal and recessing the top of the enclosure back inside the hardtop to achieve a rearward angle. The other option would be to fabricate a venturi of say 6" to 8" in height with about a 45 degree forward angle.

I will take a few more photos from the interior to provide a visual of some of the support structure, hand rails, possible seam line, etc.

Thanks for all the comments. Particularly yours JK. White Zinfandel? Really? I thought they outlawed that outside California.

Terry