Helm Position

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by IanH, May 26, 2020.

  1. IanH
    Joined: Mar 2019
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 2, Points: 3
    Location: UK

    IanH Junior Member

    Hi

    Thinking about the design of a 40 foot sailboat and I am wondering about the layout of the Amel yachts which have the helm in the forward end of the cockpit.

    This looks safe and protected but I was wondering about the view forward from that position. Never been lucky enough to sail one of these yachts.

    Any opinions on this layout is it good or are the views restricted.
     
  2. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 3,596
    Likes: 1,561, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 37
    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    Here is a fairly typical example of an Amel yacht from the 80's with a solid spray dodger and roof at the forward end of the cockpit.
    The helm station is on the forward bulkhead in the cockpit, on the port side of the companionway.
    1984 Amel Sharki Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - www.yachtworld.co.uk https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1984/amel-sharki-3242661/
    I guess that visibility could become a bit restricted through the windscreen if a lot of spray is flying about while beating to windward, but no more so than a 40' yacht with a typical canvas dodger. In fact the visibility through a solid windscreen would probably be better.

    Changing tack, how are you doing re your search for a boat, regarding your previous post last year?
    Maybe you could update it a bit?
    Sail Boat Plans 34 to 40 feet Round bilge https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/sail-boat-plans-34-to-40-feet-round-bilge.61998/
     
  3. IanH
    Joined: Mar 2019
    Posts: 13
    Likes: 2, Points: 3
    Location: UK

    IanH Junior Member


    Thanks for info. I would probably go for a low fixed screen and a main sheet arch. This would allow fabric dodger to fill the gap when required. Looking at the Amel layout with the offset companionway you could conceivably stand in the centre of the boat when at the helm. Which would perhaps negate my concerns regarding different levels of visibility depending on which tack you are on.

    Regarding my search for a boat design I think I have decided on a custom design. Not ready to push the button yet as I have two projects to complete first. But planning continues
     
  4. jehardiman
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: Port Orchard, Washington, USA

    jehardiman Senior Member

    Though I have never been on an Amel, the thing that bothered me in the helm forward sailboats I have been on (which include fixed/folding dodgers or bimini's, center cockpits and sail-cats) has been the view up at the sails, not the navigational view out. In some it was almost impossible to sail to the telltales.
     

  5. Will Gilmore
    Joined: Aug 2017
    Posts: 939
    Likes: 434, Points: 63
    Location: Littleton, nh

    Will Gilmore Senior Member

    My father owned a Super Maramu. I thought, for ocean sailing, it was dry and felt safe, for nav view, it worked well, for sail trim view, like any larger boat, there are blind spots and you learn to work with them.

    I'm a fan of Amel's layout.

    -Will (Dragonfly)
     
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