Ayrton Oneill
Dual helm stations are found on larger vessels and yachts, providing better visibility and control from different areas of the boat. The helm station's primary functions are to provide a high level of vessel control and situational awareness. The ideal helm station has panels for the electronics, gauges and switches that are oriented towards the skipper's head. However, some helm consoles are oriented directly aft, which puts the electronics and other gear farther from the operator and at an awkward angle. To avoid this issue, Franck Bauguil of Leopard Catamarans suggests that electronic screens and repeaters will need to be replicated at both stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of helms | Single and dual |
| Single helms | Found on smaller boats |
| Dual helms | Found on larger vessels and yachts |
| Dual helm advantages | Better visibility and control from different areas of the boat |
| Second helm station | On an elevated platform called a flybridge |
| Flybridge advantages | Higher vantage point for better visibility and navigation |
| Flybridge location | Centrally located on center console boats |
| Flybridge visibility | Balanced visibility and control |
| Helm station functions | Provide a high level of vessel control and situational awareness |
| Helm ergonomics | Layout of the controls, gauges and navigational electronics |
| Helm station layout | Panels for electronics, gauges and switches oriented toward the skipper's head |
| Helm station design | Stretching 4 or 5 feet from side to side, oriented directly aft at a vertical angle |
| Dual helm stations | Require replication of engine controls, instruments, radio, displays for depth-finder, GPS, auto-pilot, radar, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of a dual helm
Dual helms are more likely to be found on larger vessels and yachts, while single helms are generally found on smaller boats. Dual helms are beneficial as they provide better visibility and control from different areas of the boat. For example, some boats have a second helm station on an elevated platform called a flybridge, which offers a higher vantage point for better visibility and can help with navigation. This helm is centrally located on centre console boats, providing balanced visibility and control, making it easier to see around the boat from a middle vantage point.
The layout of the controls, gauges and navigational electronics is important for the ergonomics of the helm. Ideally, the panels for the electronics, gauges and switches should be oriented towards the skipper's head, vertically and horizontally. This allows for a high level of vessel control and situational awareness, which are key to safe and enjoyable boating.
Having engine controls on both helm stations can also be beneficial, as it avoids the need for constant movement between the two helms. This can be achieved through the use of electronic screens and repeaters, or by offering the option of engine throttles at both wheels.
A dual helm can also provide a great view and an open-air feeling, enhancing the boating experience. However, it is important to consider the additional cost of a dual helm setup, as it requires duplication of certain equipment such as the helm wheel, engine controls, instruments, radio, and displays for depth-finder, GPS, auto-pilot, and radar.
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The layout of the controls
On some boats, the helm console stretches 4-5 feet from side to side and is oriented directly aft at a vertical angle. This can make the electronics and other gear more difficult to reach and see clearly.
To avoid this issue, some boats have a second helm station on an elevated platform called a flybridge, which offers a higher vantage point for better visibility and can help with navigation. This type of helm is usually found on larger vessels and yachts, providing balanced visibility and control from the centre of the boat.
For boats with two helm stations, it is important to have engine controls and electronic screens at both stations to avoid constant movement between them. This allows for better manoeuvrability in close quarters and provides redundancy in case one set of controls fails.
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The role of helm ergonomics
Helm ergonomics are particularly important when it comes to dual helm stations, which are more likely to be found on larger vessels and yachts. Dual helm stations provide better visibility and control from different areas of the boat, but this is only useful if the controls are easy to access and see. For example, Franck Bauguil of Leopard Catamarans notes that engine controls should be available at both helm stations to avoid constant movement between the two.
It is also important to consider the skipper's comfort and visibility. Some boats can be run standing up or sitting down, which allows the skipper to stretch and stay alert, and also to absorb some of the shock when the boat is riding hard and fast. Standing also usually provides better visibility, which is useful when coming up on plane.
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The ideal helm station
The helm station should provide a high level of vessel control and situational awareness. The layout of the controls, gauges and navigational electronics should be considered, with the skipper able to operate the boat both standing up and sitting down. Standing lets you stretch and stay alert, and you can usually see better when you're standing.
If there are two helm stations, engine controls and electronic screens and repeaters will need to be replicated at both stations to avoid constant movement between the two helms.
The helm station should be centrally located on centre console boats. This provides balanced visibility and control, making it easier to see around the boat from a middle vantage point.
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The advantages of a flybridge
A flybridge is a second helm station on an elevated platform. It offers a higher vantage point for better visibility and can help with navigation. This type of helm is centrally located on centre console boats, providing balanced visibility and control.
The helm of a boat is central to safe and enjoyable boating. Its primary functions are to provide a high level of vessel control and situational awareness. The layout of the controls, gauges and navigational electronics is important. Ideally, the helm station should have panels for the electronics, gauges and switches that are oriented towards the skipper's head, vertically and horizontally.
A flybridge offers a great view and an open-air feeling that can only be achieved by operating a boat from an elevated position. This can be particularly useful when coming up on plane, as you can usually see better when you're standing.
A dual helm set-up can also be advantageous for vessel control under power. Franck Bauguil of Leopard Catamarans says: "Maneuvers in close quarters will require engine controls on both helm stations or changing helms. In order to avoid constant movement between the two helms, electronic screens and repeaters will need to be replicated at both stations."
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Frequently asked questions
Single and dual. Single helms are generally found on smaller boats, while dual helms are more likely on larger vessels and yachts.
A dual helm provides better visibility and control from different areas of the boat.
Some boats have a second helm station on an elevated platform called a flybridge. This offers a higher vantage point for better visibility and can help with navigation.
A helm station’s primary functions are to provide a high level of vessel control and situational awareness.
