Modified Shetland 570

Major Tom is a modified Shetland 570. Basically this is a standard boat with some major Modifications. This boat was rebuilt by Michael (Tommo) Thompson who is an expert at GRP work. The standard of build is of the highest quality. The bulkhead was pushed forward 23", and the topsides reduced to make more room in the cockpit for angling, then a Fly Bridge was built from scratch and fitted. Because he could purchase the boat without getting too concerned about minor problems he bought the boat very cheap. The extra money left over in his budget from his previous boat enabled him to buy a new 80hp 4 stroke Yamaha!! That is some fishing machine. The proportions are fantastic and he has enough cabin still but maximised the deck space, the business end of the boat, for fishing in comfort. In the last couple of years Tommo has landed Cod to 33lb in 2002 and a Blonde Ray over 36lb this year that goes to prove it does what he built her for!!

Modifying a Shetland 570

Please bear with me as I intend to give some information on how to go about modifying a Shetland 570 and fit what we call a 'Fly Bridge' which is basically a Shelter. I am in the process of doing this myself and will include pictures, instructions, costs and method.