helm on the starboard or the port side?

[tinhorn]

In the middle on small boats,
at the centerline on bigger boats,
amidships on big vessels!

Hahahaha! Indeed!

When my boys were six and eight years of age, I bought a ten-foot GW Invader so they could water ski. By moving the seat and steering wheel to the middle (and controls to the floor between my legs), each of them had a side seat. No bickering!

[murdomack]

Originally Posted by FAST FRED

I much prefer the helm to be on the side the vessel will normally be docking.

This is determined by the prop rotation.

With the helm near the dock its far easier to judge the distances , and do a fine job.

Also the vessel operator can assist at times , if its close enough t.

FAST FRED

The problem is that you may have to dock to whatever dock is available, unless you always land at your own spot.
My view is that with a left handed prop you get more control with a port helm and with a right handed prop more control with a starboard helm.
This is because the visibility is better on the side that you will strugle more with, and you will have your reverse side thrust to help you on the side that you have poor visibility on.

[masalai]

I will have the steering forward on the centreline, and emergency tillers-arms aft that can be directly connected to the rudder posts... Both engines rotate in the same direction... Works for me... In Australia? what of the rules on water when most of the fools do not even know the basic LAND road rules... Just have a bigger and more intimidating boat, and a more directional and louder FOG HORN... and LOUD HAILER... "Go to Starboard - veer to your RIGHT" - Then as they come abeam remind them - "When passing in opposite direction it is Port to Port or Red to Red then go ahead... ie... Left hand to left hand"...

LEFT, RED, PORT are the short words
RIGHT, GREEN, STARBOARD are the loooong words... GOT THAT? Good....

[CDK]

Most terminology originates from Dutch because they were the first seafaring nation. For whatever reason they placed the helm on the right hand side and called that "stuurboord". Maybe it just seemed like a good idea at the time, but since there is no pressing reason to change it.....

[wardd]

Originally Posted by CDK

Most terminology originates from Dutch because they were the first seafaring nation. For whatever reason they placed the helm on the right hand side and called that "stuurboord". Maybe it just seemed like a good idea at the time, but since there is no pressing reason to change it.....

could it be that most are right handed?

Starboard Side+ Steering Board Side

Its only Natural and should not be screwed with.

My New Center Console has the steering on the left side of the center consol. I find it Awkward and have no idea whay any boatbuilder would ever do it. but there it is anyway so I just have to deal with it.

1) Its Not a good selling Feature!

2) Its BASS AKWARDS



You guys forgot to mention having the helm facing Aft on some Yawls. Now thats Fluked UP!


Just look at these pictures and make up your mind.

a) THE Right Way!






b) the WRONG WAY