We are looking to buy a CD28 with a flybridge and have been advised that they are "dangerously top heavy" and that a hard top would be a better choice. This person told us that the boat is designed to carry weight low and that sharp turns can be quite frightening for those on the flybridge.
mbburke@mintz.com
CD28 powerboat w/flybridge - Are they stable?
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Bob Davee
Re: CD28 powerboat w/flybridge - Are they stable?
that the use of the flybridge on any boat is for light seas and straightMeghan Burke wrote: In my opinion my CD28 Flybridge is very stable. I would say however
courses. When making sharp turns, and when seas are heavy it is good
practice to have all on board in either the cabin or cockpit.
builder@midcoast.com
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Tony Raymond
Re: CD28 powerboat w/flybridge - Are they stable?
This is a topic I've wondered about. My CD28 flb has a little placard on the ladder that says "Do Not exceed 450 lbs on the Flybridge" I've often pondered whether it is a warning for for stability reason's or the strength of the cabin top.
As far as "dangerously unstable" goes that sort of depends on how you define it. If it means the boat will capsize, my opinion is no. I've been on my boat in some very nasty conditions (35 knots wind and 6-8 foots seas)and never been afraid for my life. Of course I wasn't driving from the Flybridge and we were managing role with heading vs waves and wind as best we could. Now if you define it as thrashing side to side to the point where you need to really hang on, or you'll get hurt, well probably yes. Of course, any boat in rough conditions will have much more movement on the flybridge than at the lower helm. It comes down to the mechanics of the distances from center lines, moment arms etc. In average conditions the Flybridge is a wonderfull place to be, the engine noise is minimal and the air deflector keeps you from being blown to bits. The boat does roll a bit more than a deep Vee or Planeing hull but I think most downeast style hull shapes will be about the same. And it doesn't "pound" in rough seas like some planeing or vees. From what I've read, it's the pounding that takes a boat apart and eventually be lost in rough conditions. Fortunately, I have no personal experience with sinking boats...
I would like hear other's experience and opinion on this subject of stability . Also, do any of you old CD folks know why the little placard says not to exceed 450 lbs?? Thanks
raymonda@mail.dec.com
As far as "dangerously unstable" goes that sort of depends on how you define it. If it means the boat will capsize, my opinion is no. I've been on my boat in some very nasty conditions (35 knots wind and 6-8 foots seas)and never been afraid for my life. Of course I wasn't driving from the Flybridge and we were managing role with heading vs waves and wind as best we could. Now if you define it as thrashing side to side to the point where you need to really hang on, or you'll get hurt, well probably yes. Of course, any boat in rough conditions will have much more movement on the flybridge than at the lower helm. It comes down to the mechanics of the distances from center lines, moment arms etc. In average conditions the Flybridge is a wonderfull place to be, the engine noise is minimal and the air deflector keeps you from being blown to bits. The boat does roll a bit more than a deep Vee or Planeing hull but I think most downeast style hull shapes will be about the same. And it doesn't "pound" in rough seas like some planeing or vees. From what I've read, it's the pounding that takes a boat apart and eventually be lost in rough conditions. Fortunately, I have no personal experience with sinking boats...
I would like hear other's experience and opinion on this subject of stability . Also, do any of you old CD folks know why the little placard says not to exceed 450 lbs?? Thanks
raymonda@mail.dec.com
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David Webster
Re: CD28 powerboat w/flybridge - Are they stable?
The owner's manual states "DO NOT exceed the rated flybridge loading of 450 lbs. as this could adversely effect the stability of the boat in extreme conditions". Personally she seems very stable from the flybridge. DavidMeghan Burke wrote: We are looking to buy a CD28 with a flybridge and have been advised that they are "dangerously top heavy" and that a hard top would be a better choice. This person told us that the boat is designed to carry weight low and that sharp turns can be quite frightening for those on the flybridge.
dhwebsurg@worldnet.att.net
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Walt Bilofsky
Re: CD28 powerboat w/flybridge - Are they stable?
It's not just Cape Dorys. I used to have a 25' Bayliner, with a much lower flybridge, which had a similar plaque - I can't recall whether it was 450 or 500 lbs. OTOH my CD 30 flybridge doesn't have one.Tony Raymond wrote: This is a topic I've wondered about. My CD28 flb has a little placard on the ladder that says "Do Not exceed 450 lbs on the Flybridge" I've often pondered whether it is a warning for for stability reason's or the strength of the cabin top.
I believe the 28 has a rounder hull than most powerboats, more like a traditional trawler. This will have an effect on how the 28 feels - making it feel more tippy - though the keel tends to counteract this. A boat's stability in extreme conditions has more to do with righting moment and center of buoyancy. And a stiff boat is not necessarily less likely to capsize. A hull shape which offers resistance to the start of a roll will also offer resistance as the boat tries to come back upright.
bilofsky@toolworks.com