Aft Helms

[smj]

Originally Posted by caribcat

Show me a cat where you can see everything from the helm on all points of sail, flying your complete inventory and you'll have a good point. Also remember that when passage making it is accepted practice to be alone on deck, therefore an auto pilot is a necessity. To be honest I would question a helm who didn't move about the cockpit to view potential blindspots, check sail settings (please don't tell me you can do this from an inboard helm, you can't) get up and make log entries etc etc.
If you want to sit at the helm for the entire watch perhaps a motorboat would be more suitable... ;-)

Our Seawind 1000. I can see all four corners of the boat as well as the sides. I'm well inboard of the sterns so it's safer as well as closer to the center of pich.(much better motion). I can also see the set of the sails at the helm and are protected from the sun and spray. I do use the autopilot but I dont use it to check for blind spots as there are none.
The most dangerous aspect of the twin aft helms to me would be making your way through a crowded anchorage.i can't imagine having to run back and forth to check the blind spot.
When we purchase a boat the helm position is one of the most important items on the check list. It sure makes for a pleasant trip when you can actually see what's around you.
I do sit at the helm quite a bit as I enjoy sailing. So I guess your last point is rather silly.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by AllezCat

Yea I am a big fan of Chris White and his designs after I was aboard at Annapolis.
And after being around gunboats - I am (reluctantly) a fan (without considering price)- mostly of the minimalistic butts.
I got too much junk in my trunk...

Yes, I lust after Chris White designs periodically, but the purchase price cools me right down -- I might actually have to get a job again to afford one -- not gonna happen!

Chris had his boat "Javelin" here on the Rio for a while ... wow.

[AllezCat]

I like this helm.
Miami boat show this year. Only, can't remember which one...
Maybe the Outremer?
The Catana's had cutaway sections of the hulls. Was very impressed with the new methodologies. Old style is very robust too. I like it.
Don't get me wrong I like many things about the Catana - especially mine. But, what I don't like is mostly already gone...

[smj]

Originally Posted by AllezCat

I like this helm.
Miami boat show this year. Only, can't remember which one...
Maybe the Outremer?
The Catana's had cutaway sections of the hulls. Was very impressed with the new methodologies. Old style is very robust too. I like it.
Don't get me wrong I like many things about the Catana - especially mine. But, what I don't like is mostly already gone...

I don't think it was the Outremer, maybe the PDQ Antares?
I liked the Outremers helm, the best of both worlds. Twin tiller on the side deck for sailing and a bulkhead mounted wheel for maneuvering and when you need protection.

[Sand crab]

That's an Antares 44. But where are the strings?

[mikereed100]

At last, a boat that can be driven from the couch!

[Sand crab]

I like this one. It's a 1988 Profile 58. Everythings right there including a windshield. Maybe the canvas bags could be tidied up but otherwise a pretty good application.


PS. Sometimes I feel like a different person. This happens everytime I look in the mirror and see Scott Bacula.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by AllezCat

heres one I saw with shades.
Whatever works...

edit: dinkum dunny?

Thats a shade

[downunder]

Well protected arrangement of helm of FF46. Helm seat not fitted and vessel has engine controls on a remote on a lead that reaches both sides for docking.

Vessel has most of positives of Antares 44 (centered engines/fuel/water)in a modern (2010) fast design.

[Surf City]

If you are a cruiser and anchor 90% of the time and with a working autopilot, how much time do really think that you will be at the helm? I worry whether my beer is cold. My Doctor tells me my vitamin D is low.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Surf City

If you are a cruiser and anchor 90% of the time and with a working autopilot, how much time do really think that you will be at the helm? I worry whether my beer is cold. My Doctor tells me my vitamin D is low.

Right on!
If the squall is passing through and it's raining cats and dogs and I'm wending my way between reefs.... I just dont want to be running from side to side between wheels at the stern quarters in the downpour! Unless I need a shower anyway!

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Right on!
If the squall is passing through and it's raining cats and dogs and I'm wending my way between reefs.... I just dont want to be running from side to side between wheels at the stern quarters in the downpour! Unless I need a shower anyway!

Should we rephrase and say it's raining cats and mono's????? Just asking.....

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by downunder

Well protected arrangement of helm of FF46. Helm seat not fitted and vessel has engine controls on a remote on a lead that reaches both sides for docking.

Vessel has most of positives of Antares 44 (centered engines/fuel/water)in a modern (2010) fast design.

Very nice!!!!

[1paulg]

The helm on my boat - a Shawn Arber 14m is nicely sheltered with a sliding hatch above ..plus a built in window besides the hatch so you can see the main ..both mainsheet and self tacker jib control comes to winches either side of the helm station - can winch them with out getting out of the helm seat..visibility good ..but probably a compromise compared to a helm either side ..but shelter is excellent..

[Sand crab]

I really like the new Gunboat 55. It has the same forward cockpit but now there is sliding window/hatch combo so you can close it up if it's nasty or just too sunny. Open or closed, all the lines are right there. Really cool.
Gunboat 55 Gallery#