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How to Install a Flying Bridge

A flying bridge is a second steering and navigation center that sits on your boat̵7;s roof. You can sit in a flying bridge and see all the way to the horizon on a clear day. You also can feel the exhilaration of "flying" above the water because the flying bridge sits high above the deck. If your boat did not come with a flying bridge, you can install one. You need to plan ahead and work carefully so that your new bridge will be as functional as it is attractive.

Things You'll Need

U-shaped flying bridge hull
Keyhole saw
Control box
Cables
Silicone sealant
Screwdriver
Screws, ¼ inch-by-1-inch
Captain̵7;s chair
Guest chair
Steering wheel
Miscellaneous navigation equipment
Awning
Windshield
½-inch bolts with nuts
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Place a "U"-shaped flying bridge hull where you think you want it. Make sure that when you sit at the helm, you will have a good view. Also, make sure there are no roof attachments such as mooring cleats or antennas in the way of your bridge.
- 2
  Decide what controls you want from the helm down below. You will splice your cables into the controls on your original bridge and connect them to your flying bridge. You will have to choose whether you want to exactly duplicate the helm navigation controls, or whether you just want basic steering and radio. In addition to navigation controls, you will need room for a throttle and a shift stick.
- 3
  Cut a hole in the roof to run all the cables from the helm below. This hole will have to be wide enough to allow for steering, navigation and communication cables to pass up to the flying bridge.
- 4
  Choose your control box for your shift stick and throttle control. Attach all cables before mounting it. Screw the stand for your control box to the roof. Apply sealant around the stand to prevent water from getting under it.
- 5
  Position your "U"-shaped flying bridge. Apply silicone sealant to the seats where the screw fastenings are. The seats will rest on the roof so they must be sealed to keep moisture from under your bridge. Tighten the screws until the seats are tight on the roof.
- 6
  Mount all of your navigation equipment and steering wheel on the dash. You can cut custom holes in the dash with a keyhole saw for special pieces of equipment. Run cables to navigation equipment and steering wheel. Apply sealant around all the edges of any equipment you install on the dash.
- 7
  Mount the captain̵7;s chair by screwing the base to the roof. It should give you complete access to all controls. Mount a second chair for any visitors you may have on the flying bridge.
- 8
  Attach the awning and windshield last. The flying bridge should have places to screw down a roof or awning as well as a windshield. If there are no mounting holes for the awning, drill your own. Attach the awning with galvanized bolts.

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