Steel hull wooden everything else?

I'd probably go with a very minimal wheelhouse if any at all, but that really depends on your sailing habits. It certainly would make it more comfortable moving the boat in bad weather, but then again a big wheelhouse might be in the way if you want to enjoy nice weather sailing.

How about a stepped coach roof with a basic steering position under the tall aft end? With big enough windows visibility may not suffer too much, but then structural integrity in heavy seas could be an issue.

And of course, I'm a big fan of classic boats, so I would want the whole superstructure to be in wood, but as it has already been pointed out, a steel deck would be more structurally sound. The lack of wood is the biggest drawback of many steel boats

 

Lack of wood ( dead vegitation) is the biggest advantage of steel boats.
Dodgers , open aft ,offer absolutely no protection from following winds ,which is how most well planned cruising is done.
A wheelhouse is absolutely no disadvantage whatever in fine weather.
Brent

 

Here is what you will eventually have to deal with if you go with a wooden deck. As far as structure goes it is not as strong but how strong does it need to be? My deck and cabin are bolted to steel stringers and tabs that are integral to the hull. No wave is going to wipe it off. The advantages are less weight and a more comfortable surface to walk/lay on in hot/cold weather. If I was starting from scratch though I would go with the all metal boat.

 

Here is the link to go with my previous post.

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/at...1d1203905935-patching-steel-hull-100_1015.jpg