26 Fairing Install
 

Has anyone with a 26 taken the windshield off and installed a fairing? How much work and was it worth it?? Love the looks just not sure if I want to loose the protection.

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

I don't know if he still reads these boards. But Jan did that to his 260. It really looked good. I was told it is easier to go from winshield than the other way as the fairing is put on with 5200, and is a ***** to get off once installed. You will loose the wind protection. I was in one with the screen. My wife liked the windshield better, so you know who one that one:)

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

I understand the wife thing! The fairing really improves the look of the boat. What were your thought on the wind?? Did it give any protection or should I say deflection??

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

This is my opinion. I'm probably going to get bashed:) But, I like the windshield better. On a 260 anyway. With the bolster seats we are a little tall in the boat as is. Now, on a 380 the fairing looks great. But, I still prefer the windshield. I like to be able to hunker down and still see where I am going when you get caught in bad weather. Plus I would rather spend the money elsewhere. Exhaust, etc......

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

Fairing looks great, that's it that's all but what about the early and late boating seasons, i'm sure you are going to miss your windshield after all we are not in the wormest weather.

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

I'll agree. I do like the looks! But with the lack of protection in the early and late season it may not make sense here in Michigan. Maybe I can go with the fairing and talk the wife into moving south, say Florida??? Aahh that won't work either!! I guess if I'm going to make here mad it might as well be with a new 30' with the fairing!

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

I had PQ replace my windshield 2 years ago when I had the boat at the PQ factory. Here are before and after pics.


Jan

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

Jan, Did you end up selling the boat? Also what did you have in it for power and what speed as well as prop were you running? Just sent my Mirage Plus to Throttle Up today to get some work done on it.

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

Fast Forward, when I saw there was something new in the tread, I thought you had move to Florida

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

Or maybe the wife left so now I just have to look good!! Than again if that was the case I wonder what half of the boat I'd end up with??? :D :D

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

Boat Sold at the beginning of Summer, it is on Lake Hartwell, SC.

Boat had a 454 Mag EFI (385HP), it would run 65mph loaded, and I have run 67-68(GPS) light load in the Spring, turning a 23 Mirage Plus, Labbed @ 5200 rpm and sun deck raised about 2 ".

I also had Gill Exhaust, ECM tweaked by Tyler Crockett, 160 thermostat with 2 1/8 holes drilled in it, timing advance to 12 degrees, Rapid Fire #1 plugs(they seemed to help with black transom).

Jan

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

O.k. Whats the 2 1/2 drilled holes??? Who's she handle at that speed?

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

It was 2 1/8" holes in the thermostat. Dustin Wipple suggested it, along with the timing advance. Seemed simple, so I did it.


Jan

Re: 26 Fairing Install
 

My 260 has the windscreen, and I REALLY love the look. No sugar coating, when the weather is sour, the windshield would be a bonus, but I love the look of the windscreen. Then again, if you're prepared for foul weather, you can dress for the occasion (Gortex and Goggles :drink: ). "Sometimes it's better to look good than to feel good :D "