Just finished an update of a tired 24 Daytona.
before:

http://i42.tinypic.com/4h3z7n.jpg
after:
http://i39.tinypic.com/b3k7s2.jpg

I agree: canopy visibility for pleasure use is not good.

Brad: good job on the conversion. Did you buy a new windshield?
John

a full race canopy in a fast cat will reduce your visibilty, but if your running a buck thirty in a cat without one and loose it, the boxlid will be pine.....

You're correct, but....
To run a canopy boat you should have the oxygen mask plus all the other necessary racing gear (including the correct life jacket) and if you lack training on getting out of the excape hatch (if you go over); you might drown.

Just my 2 cents worth.
Due

The old windshield worked fine. I agree on the dunk test. I am APBA certified, however none of my passengers were. I think four people in a canopy boat upside down wearing seat belts would be a bad situation. I did have the correct canopy jackets that only inflate upon pulling the handles. Like I said way too intimidating for most people. I enjoyed the canopy but most others did not.

Brad-
I figured that you'd have the correct gear and know how to use it.:D

Thanks for the windshield info.
John

I can see how 4 people in a turtled cat would be a mess, my rig only holds 2.

We have 20#Scuba gear on each side (15 minutes), with 15' of line and the right vests.

Most people I have taken up to now have had no issue with the cockpit. Ours is also very well ventilated with powerful fans.

I have mirrors that work enough for what would be coming up behind me and to the rear sides. However everywhere I run I know who could be coming up behind me and know where they are on the lake. They would also know not to come up directly behind a boat canopy or not.

This is the reason why I doubt I will do any PR apart from a couple in Florida (KW & MIA Boatshow) and when not sure of the people I will leave with I will use the advice One Sick Gladiator told me.... "Leave half an hour after everyone, by-pass the card stops and you will be the last at the lunch stop thus no one will walk all over your rig then when leaving pull aside let everyone go again and take off 30 minutes later"

We idle with the lid open and looking out the hatch, when I take off I do a last 360* scan close the lid and hit it always going toward the right slightly (I sit on starboard) in order to see the water I will thread while the nose settles down (approx 3 second). I would not say it is worst than taking off with the Cigarettes I have had. You do loose the sky view which is different but useless in regards to safe boating.

We do have Peltor Communication Headphones and helmets and they cut down on the noise, I would say that the wind cruising around at 110 is a factor noise wise that is comparable. Also now that we are use to the headphones I would not boat otherwise in any rig I would own.

I cannot say I would feel as comfortable in a cockpit "V" that does not have a bottom hatch if you flip, but that might just be my level of tolerance.

In the end any crash in any boat over 70 mph will be a mess V or Cat, Lid or not, so take all the precautions possible and use your head and have fun.

Of course they have all been thin and fit!

Pic from one of the mirrors running....

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/a...oat-005oso.jpg

Cool Pic! I don't think you have to worry about anyone coming up directly behind you!