Archair, the Marlin is a much more expensive boat than the Sailfish, so it goes the same as the 33 Express over the Marlin, see the cabin on the 33? No match vs. Marlin.
So you are fortunate enough to afford a Marlin, if you were not so fortunate, you'd have a Sailfish today, and like it.
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All of the larger boat manufacturers on the market have been building taller and taller glass windshields and side windows, which must have been from consumer complaints, since it costs more to add more glass over plastic/ canvas. The glass has become so tall, aluminum frames no longer are suitable, at the same time molded in lights and boxes, speakers, etc. have taken over vs. bolt on boxes, etc. Grady is just following the market trend in building a unified molded fiberglass bridge surround. Seen plenty at the boat show last winter. This year Grady will have their first to show.
Alumium pipe tops will remain on smaller Gradys with traditional windshield heights, same goes for the bimini tops, as it makes sense.
After I saw the Chesapeake, I realized I will never see a grady with a pilot house (alaska) style structure, with option of hard or soft back drops. However, the fiberglass bridge surrounds may be interesting hybridized version of it.
Once again I find myself referring to the Grady Admiral's influence in the boat designs, I cannot see the Admiral fond of pipe structures (too cold!), I do for fiberglass surrounds - as I'm sure they didn't overlook the bridge in their recommendations in those focus group meetings .
