Removing lower helm.?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:50 pm

I’m considering removing the lower helm in Lady D when I repower. Even though it was a selling point for me and I do use the lower station, the new motors come rigged and with gauges for single station not dual. Also, I've also found that a cockpit steering station would serve me better than in the cabin for single handed fishing, docking or putting around the creeks. The down side would be in removing all of the lower station’s wiring as I'm not a fan of cut-&-leave-it modifications. Has anybody else tackled this type of modification, or have any suggestions? I suppose I could always just switch over the sensors/sending-units on the motors to be dual station instead of single that may be the simple way to go in the end. John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 4:05 am

John, I have a dual station in my 35 and I wouldn't be with out it. I like being able to operate my boat from the cabin when I have guest, kicking back with the A/C or heat on and the music playing. You don't find many boats our size with the offer of a lower helm anymore I think it's a big advantage, keep it if you can. I put a remote handheld autopilot in so I can steer my boat from the cockpit while I'm fishing it works very well. Mike

Seafighter · Post by **Seafighter** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 6:28 am

I'm with Mike. Its a main reason I boat the 35. Nothing like it in the cold. Even in Florida.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:38 am

I agree with both of you, but find alot of time I get stuck in the cabin and everbody's in the cockpit. I'm also toying with the idea of putting an A/C duct to the flybridge. In my '72 the condenser is under the flybridge doghouse so I could easily cut a hole in the existing wood duct work and add an insulated vent with a shut off. The one unkown is how much wiring work is involved with keeping the lower helm or removing it. Going from gas to diesel I'm not sure if I can re-use existing wiring or have to replace it. I guess I'll be able to figure that out once the old motors come out. The other strike against the cockpit controls is that I'd have to fabricate the cockpit steering station, more time and money... I'll know more in another month or so when I can get into the yard to begin work. -John John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:29 am

Hey John, I'll be coming down to the boat this weekend, if your around I would like to meet you and have you take a look at her. The boat is at Bay Boat Works in North East MD. Mike 508-397-6655

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:05 am

Hi Mike, I'm leaving today to spend the weekend camping in Gettysburg PA. So I'll miss you this weekend. Next time I'll catch up with you for shure. I saved your number and will try to give you a call. As for the lower helm, I'm leaning a little more towards keeping than removing. Gotta do some more analysis once the boat gets on land and I can look at things and discuss with the yard. br, JohnD John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 11:40 am

John, Enjoy yourself camping I hope the weather cooperates, look forward to meeting you next time I get down. Mike...

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:30 pm

John, I'm heading down to the boat this weekend if your around give me a call. Mike 508-397-6655

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 5:44 am

Mike it was good to talk to you yesterday. It looks like I won't be able to make it up on Sat, too many irons in the fire. If you have any questions as you're working give me a call, I'll have my phone with me. If you can think of it and haven't already, could you take some pictures of your cockpit with the floor out. I'd like to see the original layout of the A/C units and batteries. It looks like I may miss you on April 21st as well, another camping weekend. When are you planning to head north? John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:49 pm

John, I’ll be coming down to the boat the weekend of April 21st. I have a buddy flying in from Florida to measure the boat for canvas. I should arrive around 2:00PM I have to pick him up at the Philadelphia Airport. Let me know if you’re going to be around? Mike 508-397-6655

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:18 am

Mike, we seem to be on a streek of bad timing. We camp the 3rd weekend of the month in the spring and fall and the 21st is our camping weekend. I'll give you a call next week to check in. When are you going to take your boat north? John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:22 am

Back to the lower helm debate: It's going to remain for now and at the least I'll rig throttles & shifters. I may not wire gauges other than tach's. The project doesn't have enough $$ left to do the mods to add cockpit steering & will probably just put in an autopilot with a remote later. John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:21 pm

John, Your right bad timing. I'll be moving her to NY Memorial Day weekend. Mike.

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:44 am

John, I'm planning a trip down to my boat May 11 & 12 will you be around? Mike.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:11 am

Mike, Believe it or not I will be around. I may be able to sneek up on Friday late afternoon/evening, just have to clear it with the boss. I know Sat. I'll be working on my boat, it should be in the yard by then, motors will be coming out May 22nd or there abouts. BTW, which airport did you pick your friend up from last time? I live about 10min from BWI and if it was there I was wondering how long it took you from the boat. I'll give you a call next week. -john