Boat CockPit Ergonomic

[iago0504]

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.

 

[bajansailor]

Google found your boats fairly easily.
Here is the Touring 36 - Touring 36 https://www.smartown.ae/touring-36/

And the Touring 48 - Touring 48 Lounge https://www.smartown.ae/touring-48-lounge/

Re how you are specifically working with these two types, do you have actual boats of these two classes available that you can go on board and take measurements?
Have you identified any problems so far with the cockpit and helm layout of these two types of vessels?

 

[DogCavalry]

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.

 

[BlueBell]

Finally, I would like to know what problems you observe?

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.

 

[DogCavalry]

In aircraft and military vessels, ergonomics should be a mature science, elsewhere it's a dog's breakfast.

 

[Darkzillicon]

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.

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.

 

[DogCavalry]

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.

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

 

[BlueBell]

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

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