Boat CockPit Ergonomic

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by iago0504, Mar 26, 2024.

  1. iago0504
    Joined: Mar 2024
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    Location: France

    iago0504 New Member

    I'm doing a university project on the ergonomic problems of boat cockpits/steering wheels. I am specifically working with the Touring 36 or Touring 48 Ferry, however feedback on either model would be helpful.
    Finally, I would like to know what problems you observe? Be it button position, height, location, width, etc.
     
  2. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

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  3. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    Location: Vancouver bc

    DogCavalry Senior Member

    My biggest ergonomic issue with some boats is it is difficult or impossible to smoothly change from sitting to standing. Obviously that's taken in care of in good designs, but most designs are not good.

    Then indicator lights on controls. My commuter has the worst indicators I've seen. They are painfully bright blue LEDs. Indicator lights on switches must be red, and dimmable so the operator doesn't get the night vision burned out of his eyes. A moment's exposure to bright light won't be recovered for several hours, if you're talking peak sensitivity. Another thing already dealt with in good design, but most designs aren't good.

    Anyway, those are my two.
     
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  4. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Generally speaking:

    Sight lines are huge.
    Not just through the windows but also gauges etc through the steering wheel.
    Switch positions line of sight and accessibility.
    The number of rotations lock-to-lock of the steering wheel needs to be specific to the vessel and it's reaction to such inputs.
    Window positions to the steering station.

    I've never skippered either of your boats in question, sorry.
     
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  5. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    Location: Vancouver bc

    DogCavalry Senior Member

    In aircraft and military vessels, ergonomics should be a mature science, elsewhere it's a dog's breakfast.
     
  6. Darkzillicon
    Joined: Jan 2023
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    Location: Palm Beach

    Darkzillicon Senior Member

    Actually many of those indicator lights are too bright at battery voltage and need a resistor. I’ve wired up plenty of them. Easier to specify 15V leds and let them be dim.
     
  7. DogCavalry
    Joined: Sep 2019
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    Location: Vancouver bc

    DogCavalry Senior Member

    That's a good idea. I could easily wire a resistor into the circuit.
     

  8. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
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    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Not so bright in direct sunlight.
    A rheostat ( dimmer ) is the way to go there.
     
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