"Ron Heron" wrote

After several years of cruising with pilothouse and without I've
concluded that pilothouse sailing offers tremendous advantages over
sailing in the raw. Here is what I have found:

1. Much less cockpit glare in a pilothouse - less fatigue, less
sunburn, better visibility.

2. Better environment temperature and sun wise. Can sail for much
longer periods comfortably.

3. Higher position allows for much better visibility.


Maybe you should get a flying bridge or tuna tower? Think of the
visibility you'd have then!


4. Higher position allows for much greater "feel" of the boat. I can
sail much better from a pilothouse. The sailtrim is easier to get
right and its easier to detect wind and current changes.


That is actually backwards from the way all the serious sailors in the
world feel on the issue. When you see America's Cup boats putting the
helmsman in raised pilothouses, you'll know that the attitude has
changed.


5. Access to instrumentation is far superior, no clouded plexiglass
covers.

6. Better airflow through the cockpit of a pilothouse.


?? ??

7. No wacky tiller to deal with. The wife can't handle a tiller but is
a champ on the wheel.


That's nice, but has nothing to do with having a pilot house.


8. Great view of things going on up on the foredeck. You can see
everything, rather than being down in a "hole".


Again, nothing to do with the pilot house. There are many boats with
good sight lines from the cockpit & helm. There are many boats with
poor sight lines. Many pilot house vessels have poor sight lines from
the helm. It's a question of choosing a boat that is well designed for
actual use.

9. Stuff can be stored out of the weather in the pilothouse.

10. Pets less likely to be washed overboard.

11. Greater protection in strong seas.

12. Excellent for entertaining and getting out of the bugs.

I find a pilothouse sailboat just can't be beat for cruising and would
encourage any serious cruiser to look at them before commiting to a
cockpit boat.


Sounds good. I wouold encourage anybody u'a serious cruiser to
consider some of the issues you've mentioned.... plus a lot of others.



"Edgar" wrote:
Must agree with most of that but I am not sure why you claim the airflow can
be better in a pilothouse than in an open cockpit.

me too.

Also, some pilot houses obstruct the view of the mainsail so not all will
allow you to sail better

Some biminis & dodgers have the same problem.

I have no doubt that Wilbur will shortly come back at you about your no. 11
and tell you what he thinks about pilot houses with their large windows.

Wait... here he comes now....

On May 7, 11:49 am, Bob wrote:
.... no where in you list did you mention ANY feature that added to
the STABILITY or SEAWORTHNESS of the boat.

You don't consider visibility & protection of helmsman a seaworthiness
issue? My what a narrow view you have.



If you want a party barge go get one and enjoy yourself but PLEASE do
not decieve yourself in thinking you have a boat capable of "cruising"
or for that matter keeping you safe in anything where I opporate and
we call typical conditions.

Must be nice to have been appointed the ultimate authority on how
other people must sail & cruise. Is this an elected position, or did
cronies in high places appoint you?

Fresh Breezes- Doug King