I run almost 100% from my flybridge,, even in heavy rain. With 360 degree visibility, the ability to hear oncoming vessels and sense changes in the wind, about the only thing that gets me below is LIGHTNING! And perhaps freezing weather but I don't do that much any more. I have started going below on long hull-speed Bahamas passages just to reduce my sun exposure.
So I would keep the lower station. All my electronics are duplicated at both stations, radar, depth, autopilot, GPS plotters. Every so often one of these goes out and it is nice to have a backup. Besides, it confirms the nautical purpose of my boat and I don't have to climb a ladder to impress guests.
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Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
Jim Grove, Fanfare 1966 50MY Hull #22 (Delivered Jan. 7, 1966)
"LIFE IS JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER." Frank Ward O'Malley, Journalist, Playwright 1875-1932
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07-15-2019 12:50 PM #12Senior Member
- Join Date
- May 2011
- Posts
- 184
Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
Thanks to all for their informed responses (I love this forum!). Actually, I had no intention of removing the lower helm. I just wanted to know whether or not I should permanently install a nice Pompanette platinum series helm chair. If I permanently bolt it to the floor, it would preclude the dining option I posted in the picture.
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07-15-2019 02:13 PM #13Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Posts
- 1,001
Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
Just to be contrary, what would be to effect of removing most of the helm (wheel, gauges, nav, etc.) keeping only the throttles, thrusters and a small wheel. This station would only be used for docking and slow speed maneuvering. The primary helm would be at the upper station.
Michael & Beth
Hull Number CV312
63’ Cockpit Motor Yacht
1986 model launched in August 1987
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Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
It's a good place to run from on hot days.
-MarcusBeach House-Hull#421
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Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
When i redesigned the salon on my 53 i looked into a building a smaller helm with a smaller wheel and compact electronic controls, move the Air con unit that s on port side and build a small L shaple sette and table in that corner similar to what you find on the pilothouse of many trawlers or passage maker. In the end it seemed like a lot of work and decided to go with a high low expandable table while keeping the helm as is although pushed forward
Pascal
Miami, FL
1970 53 MY #325 Cummins 6CTAs
2014 26' gaff rigged sloop
2007 Sandbarhopper 13
12' Westphal Cat boat
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07-16-2019 06:09 AM #16Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2018
- Posts
- 1,069
Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
I usually use the fly bridge, but certainly not always. Sometimes it is too hot or it is raining too much. Also, some friends/copilots like the comfort of the lower helm. In any event, I would never buy a 53 where the lower helm was removed. I saw one once and I don't think it ever sold. I also didn't see any real improvement in space. There is a lot under there, and the galley cabinets and hallway ceiling takes up most of the space. Boats designed without a lower helm look decent though, and more roomy.
Prometheus
1978 53' MY Hull #529
Viera, FL
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07-16-2019 06:19 AM #17Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2018
- Posts
- 1,069
Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
I thought this was one of the first things I was going to do on my 53 when I got it, but I have gotten used to having a movable helm chair. I don't live aboard, so the need for a dining table is not that great, but if I did, I think I would put A/C in the aft deck and dine there.
Prometheus
1978 53' MY Hull #529
Viera, FL
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08-08-2019 02:21 PM #18
Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
"Remember"
1988 67' cpmy
Hull #301 (hull #1)
"Remember"
1979 58' Y/F
Hull #464
https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/im...ine=1557868341
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Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
I run almost exclusively from the lower helm. On perfect weather days, I'm on the flybridge but otherwise I'm in the pilothouse. I like being close to the engine rooms which makes periodic checks quick and easy. I'm also closer to the galley if I get hungry
Sky Cheney
1985 53EDMY, Hull #CN759, "Rebecca"
ELYC on White Lake--Montague, MI
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08-09-2019 01:13 PM #20
Re: Opinions Wanted: Lower Helm area usage
"Remember"
1988 67' cpmy
Hull #301 (hull #1)
"Remember"
1979 58' Y/F
Hull #464
https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/im...ine=1557868341