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ssmoot · 06-11-2018, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snore

So what is gained with the second helm on a cat??

The other commenters nailed it. Protection from sun exposure is the main concern.

I'm not sure why it doesn't seem to be a bigger issue for buyers in general, but most of the helms my wife and I tried at Annapolis offered very little protection against sun exposure.

I know the Catanas and Nautitechs aren't great about that either. We did find the helm stations of the Nautitech Open 40 to offer more coverage than expected though, mostly because of the large cockpit top. So they seemed worth a second look at least.

The helm stations of your average Lagoon 40/42 or FP 40/42 couldn't have provided more than about 3 hours of shade it seemed. Perhaps from 10:30 to 13:30. Every time we got on one we were basically just standing right out in the sun for all the protection their high biminis offered.

Ostinato · 06-11-2018, 23:31

I think you nailed yourself. If you’re looking for sun protection focus on the bimini and the location of the helm. Our Island Spirit 401 has excellent sun protection but only 1 steering station. A second steering would be nice but dual engine controls would be even better - not because of the sun though.

admiralslater · 07-11-2018, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatNewBee

outremar cats are dual-helm too.

Some 45s are mine is not

ssmoot · 07-11-2018, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ostinato

If you’re looking for sun protection focus on the bimini and the location of the helm.

That's what I'm trying to do. There's just so few dual helm boats (it seems) I wanted to see if I was missing any noteworthy examples.

admiralslater · 07-11-2018, 07:30

Our Pdq 36 has a single helm on the starboard and the Outremer has it on the port side . I have never felt the need for a second steering station . You very quickly get used to steering from one side

tomfl · 07-11-2018, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by smj

Dual helms allows you to change helms to find some shade, also allows you to pick a side that may be out of the wind, rain or spray. On our Seawind 1000 there was a jib sheet on both sides so one could steer on either tack and sheet the jib.

Have to point out that even with a good Bimini unless the sun is directly overhead there may not be shade at both steering stations. Often the sun is not only to one side but astern as well.

After I bought your Seawind Josh (who bought your other Seawind) took me out for a sail and showed me how he changed to a self tacking jib resulting in only a single jib sheet. It is now on the port side, which is also where the line for roller furling adjustment is.

VBsail · 07-11-2018, 10:27

It also makes handing off the helm more convenient since there is no musical chairs.

Factor · 07-11-2018, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

Hmm, didn't know that RE: the Lite. I have one being built now. Scheduled completion mid Dec. All the ones I have seen are port engine controls.

Its a custom change but its doable.

django37 · 08-11-2018, 01:30

Beneteaus new cat-brand "Excess" will have dual helm as standard.

CatNewBee · 08-11-2018, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by django37

Beneteaus new cat-brand "Excess" will have dual helm as standard.

... and maybe a third helm as an option

Are you sure, they will not have a party fly-bridge and a dance floor on the trampoline?

It is called excess for excessive outfitting and pricing.

... just kidding.
The double aft helm will take significant space out of the salon area, no flybridge nor dance floor either. It is meant to compete with Outremar - expensive performance cruising with less comfort for the size.