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Best pilothouse boats: 12 of the best boats for year-round adventures

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In the last few years, we’ve noticed an explosion of interest in adventure boats that you can use all year round. Here’s our pick of the best pilothouse boats on the market right now…

From Axopar to Viggo, the new boat market seems to be overflowing with pilothouse boats right now and the appeal isn’t hard to fathom.

With enclosed wheelhouses that offer great all-round visibility as well as protection from the elements, the best pilothouse boats have outgrown their Scandinavian roots.

Yards from Italy and Turkey are getting in on the action too, and we’ve recently experienced the joys of boating around the Seychelles in a pilothouse boat .

If you’re looking to try this style of boating, read on for our essential guide to the most exciting pilothouse boats on the market right now…

12 of the best pilothouse boats

Twin-stepped hull gives the Axopar 37 XC first rate performance, efficiency and sea-keeping

Axopar 37 XC

The Axopar 37 XC is a great-looking multi-purpose adventure platform with a range of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces plus the option of authentic four-berth accommodation.

With its second-generation twin-stepped hull, it handles like a proper sportsboat too, while still returning cruising efficiency of around 2.3l/nm at 28 knots with a pair of Mercury 300s on the transom.

It also offers the option of gullwing doors for uprated access and ventilation in the forward cabin, and the options elsewhere are just as rewarding. You can upgrade to twin 350s for 48-knot performance, or spec the aft deck with a stern bench, a wet bar module, a storage compartment or a brilliant aft cabin .

You can also augment the styling with the Brabus Line package or you can add extra functionality with a forward heads compartment and a pilothouse kitchen module. For full-on adventure, it’s very tough to beat.

Axopar 37 XC specifications

LOA: 37ft 9in (11.50m) Beam: 9ft 8in (3.35m) Engine: Twin 225-350hp outboards Top speed: 48 knots Starting price: £278,000 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Axopar 37 XC

The Dale 40 makes light work of big seas

Introduced in 2019, the award-winning Dale 40 is a pilothouse boat unlike any other. As you would expect of a Dale , it gives you a steady trim angle throughout the rev range and a perfectly judged balance between forward buoyancy and softness of entry, but it supplements that with extra bow flare and deeper freeboards for an even drier ride at sea.

It’s also a great boat for adding flexibility to your nav plans. The fore-and-aft ensuite cabins enable two couples to cruise for weeks on end and the wheelhouse is easily converted for a third couple.

In terms of range, a combined fuel capacity of 2,300 litres delivers 350nm at 20 knots – and if you want to leave the open sea behind and explore Europe’s inland waterways, the Dale 40’s wide side decks, open aft helm and arrow-straight tracking make it perfect for that too.

Dale 40 specifications

LOA: 44ft 2in (13.48m) Beam: 13ft 10in (4.23m) Engine: Twin Volvo Penta D6 340-480s on shafts Top speed: 28 knots Starting price: £987,777 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Dale 40

The Dromeas D33 SUV is a stylish 50-knot weekender

Dromeas D33 SUV

As the larger of Dromeas’s two pilothouse boats, the very latest D33 SUV takes the same thoroughbred underpinnings as the D33 WA but adds an enclosed cockpit with twin side doors for uprated year-round practicality.

Available with inboards or outboards , this 50-knot offshore platform also uses aggressive spray rails, thickset rubbing strakes and elevated forward gunwales for a safe, dry ride.

There’s a range of options to help configure the aft deck to your needs, and down below, an open-plan layout provides bright, comfortable sleeping for four. Easily customised and inherently versatile, the new Dromeas D33 SUV is a seriously impressive piece of work.

Dromeas D33 SUV specifications

LOA: 27ft 1in (10.50m) Beam: 8ft 10in (3.15m) Engine: Single or twin outboards up to 800hp Top speed: 50 knots Starting price: £211,200 (inc. VAT)

This is the Daddy of the Nimbus pilothouse boat range, complete with fully enclosed wheelhouse and a pair of Volvo’s 4-cylinder 320hp sterndrive diesels for good measure.

It is, being a Nimbus , incredibly practical and well thought out. There are guardrails all the way along the side decks and wherever there isn’t a guardrail you can guarantee there is going to be a hand hold.

The side decks are deep and safe and there is bespoke storage for the boat’s fenders on the transom and a dedicated slot for the wooden boat hook outside the cockpit doors. These are the sort of practical details that Nimbus’s designers chalk off in their sleep but they make life on board so much easier.

Nimbus C11 specifications

LOA: 40ft 7in (12.4m) Beam: 11ft 4in (3.46m) Engines: Twin 320hp Volvo Penta D4 Top speed: 40 knots Starting price: £361,549 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Nimbus C11

The Nordkapp Gran Coupé 905 is available with twin 225hp outboards or a single 600hp V12

Nordkapp Gran Coupé 905

The Gran Coupé 905 is a practical, versatile (and rather beautiful) four-berth adventure companion but the V12 model ramps things up in a serious way.

For a start, there are no optional extras here because everything is included. That extends from the Webasto heating, hot and cold water, stern anchor and electric soft top to the bow and stern thrusters, forward sundeck, convertible cockpit and fully featured heads.

And then there’s the engine. While the base 905 is available with a 300hp outboard or twin 225s, this top-of-the-line variant comes with Mercury’s 7.6-litre V12 Verado 600hp outboard motor for ferocious pick-up and speeds in the region of 55 knots.

With sociable outdoor zones fore and aft, plus convertible pilothouse shelter and class-leading performance, this unashamedly high-spec four-season family cruiser is a boat you simply can’t ignore.

Nordkapp Gran Coupé 905 specifications

LOA: 29ft 11in (9.12m) Beam: 9ft 9in (2.98m) Engine: Mercury Verado 7.6-litre 600hp V12 Top speed: 55 knots Starting price: £240,450 (inc VAT and 300hp engine) / £319,950 (inc. VAT and 600hp engine)

Modified chines make the Nord Star 33+ an even smoother ride than its predecessor

Nord Star 33+

The Nord Star 33+ uses the existing 32 hull with modified chines to make it even softer and more forgiving at sea. It also comes with bonded windows and smaller mullions for uprated visibility, plus revised bulwark boarding gates and twin side doors for extra practicality.

The optional Cruiser package looks particularly well judged. In addition to French doors that bring the cockpit and saloon into easy union, it offers some useful flexibility in relation to the way the galley and lower atrium interact.

You can spec each side of the atrium with a heads and separate shower; you can swap the port space for a lower galley; or you can leave the galley up top and use the port compartment as a massive walk-in wardrobe.

Either way, with a pair of D4 270s, this practical four-berth Nordic pilothouse boat offers a really satisfying combination of fuel efficiency, performance and living comfort.

Nord Star 33+ specifications

LOA: 36ft 5in (11.40m) Beam: 11ft 1in (3.40m) Engine: Twin inboard diesels up to 872hp Top speed: 45 knots Starting price: £365,000 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Nord Star 33+

Pardo has eased back the power to give the Endurance 60 extra efficiency and range

Pardo Endurance 60

The Pardo Endurance 60 might look more like a mini superyacht than an all-action pilothouse boat, but its credentials are very strong. At 59ft in length with a fully enclosed wheelhouse and deep walkaround side decks, it uses a compact, low-slung flybridge to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.

The decking ahead of the flybridge wind deflector is a great place to sit with a view or ideal for stowing a couple of bikes or stand-up paddle boards . Back aft, in addition to a hydraulic swim platform big enough for a proper jet tender, twin fold-down bulwarks create an extra 180ft² of cockpit space with great access to the water.

Available with a pair of IPS 700s or 800s and capable of sleeping up to eight people, the Pardo Endurance 60 is by no means a fast boat, but if you want long-distance adventure with extra style, refinement and luxury, this is a fantastic way to achieve it.

Pardo Endurance 60 specifications

LOA: 59ft 3in (18.08m) Beam: 16ft 8in (5.13m) Engines: Twin Volvo Penta IPS 700-800s Top speed: 25 knots UK starting price: €2.83 million (inc VAT)

Read more about the Pardo Endurance 60

Despite the extra weight created by the pilothouse, the Quarken 27 Cabin still tops out at 43 knots

Quarken 27 Cabin

The Quarken 27 Cabin takes all the user-friendly day boating intelligence of the award-winning Quarken 27 T-Top and adds a pilothouse for extra multi-purpose flexibility.

Like the open models, it uses an asymmetric design with a full-width port walkway to keep fore-and-aft movement free and easy. It also factors in a full-size sliding door for simple single-handed berthing, plus a seating design that enables you to face out from a sheltered position.

Capable of sleeping two people and seating up to eight, the Quarken 27 Cabin employs the same twin-stepped hull and Yamaha F300 outboard with finger-light digital steering as the rest of the 27 models.

And while the pilothouse structure does incur a little extra weight, this model still manages to achieve a top end of 43 knots, alongside claimed running efficiency of 1.6l per nm for a cruising range of 150nm.

Quarken 27 Cabin specifications

LOA: 27ft 5in (8.35m) Beam: 8ft 6in (2.59m) Engine: Single Yamaha F300 outboard Top speed : 43 knots Starting price: £144,442 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Quarken 27 Cabin

Rhea is known for its 1970s-style flared bow and classic frigate stern

Rhea Trawler 34

The Rhea Trawler 34 is a seriously flexible boat. It’s available as a flybridge or a sedan and with single or twin shaft drives hooked up to Nanni, Volvo or Yanmar engines.

Like the Timonier line, it’s easy to helm, easy to beach and very kind in a North Atlantic swell. With flat decks, raised bulwarks and a closed transom, it’s also ideal for exposed passages.

And it also comes with a spacious forward owner’s cabin , plus a bathroom with separate shower, a starboard guest cabin and an optional crew cabin for those who need a third double berth.

Rhea Trawler 34 specifications

LOA: 34ft 1in (10.40m) Beam: 13ft 1in (3.98m) Engine: Single 380hp – twin 270hp inboard diesels Top speed: 21 knots Starting price: €585,000 (inc. VAT)

Impeccable seafaring and fit-out make the Sargo 45 our pick of their pilothouse boats range

The Sargo 45 is a very easy boat to enjoy. From the quick-access fender stowage to the massive single-level side decks, the wide-gauge fuel fillers and the side-entry engine bay, the simple things are superbly executed.

With its adjustability, all-round views, skipper’s side door and whisper-quiet double-glazed refinement, the helm also feels like an object lesson in seafaring ergonomics.

And then there’s the accommodation. The fit-out is impeccable, headroom throughout is great and with a convertible dinette, an ingenious ensuite mid cabin and a pair of forward cabins with large day heads, you could easily sleep six to eight people in the utmost comfort.

Even the cruising efficiency looks good. Twin 480hp Volvo Penta D6-IPS650s will deliver 36-knot performance alongside four litres per nautical mile at 30 knots and a range in excess of 300 miles – and you also get the option of sterndrives and a flybridge.

Sargo 45 specifications

LOA: 47ft 11in (14.60m) Beam: 14ft 0in (4.25m) Engine: Twin Volvo D6 440 / IPS-650 Top speed: 36 knots Starting price: €995,000 (inc. VAT)

Read more about the Sargo 45

The Targa 32 Coupe can reach speeds of up to 48 knots

Targa 32 Coupe

The Targa 32 is a fantastic all-rounder. It comes with a flybridge and second helm as standard but, as elsewhere in the range, you can also spec it with a flat roof, an aft door and a large roof rack for your kayaks and paddleboards.

Down below, two comfortable cabins make it popular for families, but you can also choose between a sociable foredeck cockpit or an optional raised bow for extra space in the forward double. It’s also the most versatile Targa in terms of engines.

Diesel options range from twin Volvo D4s right up to the biggest D6s for performance of up to 48 knots alongside a fast cruise of 38 to 40 knots. A pair of Mercury Verado V8 300 or V10 400 outboards are also an option.

But even twin D4 320s will deliver a top speed of 40 knots, while creating some handy extra space in the engine room for bulky baggage or folding bikes .

Targa 32 Coupe specifications

LOA: 35ft 4in (10.78m) Beam: 11ft 1in (3.37m) Engine: 640-880hp inboard diesels Top speed: 48 knots Starting price: £399,840 (inc. VAT)

Viggos are known for their tough aluminium construction and shallow draft

Viggo C10 Offshore

Viggo’s C10 Offshore employs the same deep-vee (24-degree) hull form as the 8m boats but uprates it for Category B use. It also benefits from a more acute bow shape, single or twin engines, separate fuel tanks, and a backup system for the power supply.

As on the Viggo C8 , the layout has been designed so you can pass freely from bow to stern through fore and aft doors and remarkably, up to ten passengers can sit underway in the shelter of the pilothouse.

It’s a seriously quick boat too, thanks to a twin 450hp outboard option that brings a rip-snorting 65 knots into play. And to harness all that power, it also uses a pair of central K-Plane hydraulic trim tabs, which do much the same job as a 200-litre bow tank – pinning that nose in a rough head sea and avoiding any unnecessary air time.

Viggo C10 Offshore specifications

LOA: 35ft 11in (10.95m) Beam: 9ft 8in (2.95m) Engine: Single 450hp / Twin 300-450hp outboards Top speed: 48-65 knots Starting price: £359,400 (inc. VAT)

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Your Ultimate Boating Resource

Pilothouse Boats: Ultimate Features and Benefits for Passionate Boaters

Ahoy, Adventurous Mariners! Set sail on an amazing adventure with Pilothouse Boats, the Ultimate Game-Changer for daring sailors. Prepare to be blown away by the sheer awesomeness of pilothouse boats.

What is a Pilothouse Boat?

Curious about Pilothouse Boats? A pilothouse boat is defined as a vessel with a fully enclosed, climate-controlled helm station built into the hull’s superstructure. It is distinguished from a standard cabin cruiser by the fact that the helm is elevated and separated from the living quarters, providing a dedicated space for navigation and control. Pilothouse boats come in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for different boaters and their specific tastes and requirements.

Features of Pilothouse Boats

Let’s set our sights on the remarkable features that set Pilothouse Boats apart from the rest:

Elevated Helm

A central feature of the pilothouse boat is the elevated helm, which offers a commanding view of the environment. This vantage point allows the captain to navigate with ease, making it ideal for boaters who take their craft into challenging waters or require precise maneuvering.

Enclosed and Climate-Controlled Space

The enclosed, climate-controlled space of a pilothouse boat sets it apart from its open-cockpit counterparts. This feature allows occupants to stay comfortable in various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and scorching sun. The enclosed space protects the helmsman and the sensitive navigational equipment inside, ensuring that the boat’s controls and systems remain in peak condition.

Large Windows & Visibility

Pilothouse boats are typically designed with large windows that provide excellent visibility for the captain or anyone at the helm. This feature, combined with the elevated helm, contributes to the ease of navigation and safety while on the water, as it allows for an unobstructed view of the surroundings.

Versatile Living Space

While the pilothouse serves as the primary focus of these boats, they typically have additional living space, such as a salon, galley, and sleeping accommodations. The living quarters are often customizable to suit the needs and preferences of the boat owner, making a pilothouse boat a versatile choice for both long journeys and casual cruising.

Benefits of Pilothouse Boats

Now that we’ve explored the remarkable features, let’s dive into the incredible benefits that Pilothouse Boats bring to the table:

Comfort and Convenience

The enclosed space of a pilothouse boat ensures that captains and passengers are comfortable and protected, regardless of weather conditions. The climate-controlled environment provides a pleasant retreat from the elements, especially during extended voyages or when cruising in more extreme climates.

Enhanced Safety

By design, pilothouse boats offer improved visibility and protection for the captain, crew, and navigational equipment, making them a safe choice for boating enthusiasts. Being able to view and react to potential hazards quickly and effectively is crucial for boating safety, something that pilothouse boats excel at providing.

Increased Seasonality & Adaptability

Thanks to the protection from the elements afforded by a pilothouse boat, boaters can comfortably venture out earlier in the boating season or extend their outings into the cooler months. This increased seasonality can translate to more opportunities to enjoy time on the water.

Customization Options

Pilothouse boats provide ample opportunities for owners to customize their vessels to suit their needs and preferences. From the configuration of the living space to essential navigational and technological upgrades, the options are virtually endless.

As we conclude our enthralling journey into the world of Pilothouse Boats, one thing is certain, these vessels are the pinnacle of luxury, adaptability, and boating happiness. Pilothouse Boats are the best choice for dedicated boaters looking for exceptional adventures on the water, thanks to their all-weather capability and panoramic vistas.

So, whether you’re an experienced captain or a boating enthusiast looking for your first maritime adventure, a Pilothouse Boat is your doorway to a world of endless possibilities. Accept the call of the sea, set your path, and let the waves transport you to wonderful locations, all while enjoying the comfort and elegance that Pilothouse Boats provide.

It’s time to set sail, embrace the freedom of the open waters, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage, fellow boating enthusiasts!

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The Best Pilothouse Power Boat Brands Extend the Boating Season

14th dec 2023 by samantha wilson.

Pilothouse boats are not a new design, and these sturdy vessels hold their origins in the workhorse fishing boats of colder climes such as Scandinavia and northern United States. Yet their popularity as recreational or sport fishing boats is certainly on the rise, and today there are many excellent brands from which to choose.

So what makes the pilothouse boat so appealing?

As the name suggests, pilothouse boats have an enclosed wheelhouse, with the helm station completely sealed from all sides. This allows for weather protection in cold or adverse weather and can therefore extend the fishing or boating season. The pilothouse offers all-round visibility, it can be heated (or air conditioned), and some models have surprisingly spacious cabins, heads, and small galleys, too. The hard top allows for the mounting of radar domes and antennae, and the enclosed area provides a quiet area for socializing.

There is a lot of crossover between pilothouse boats and other categories of boat, plus many different designs and sizes. Many are center consoles, with a pilothouse built around the console and many are walkarounds, while others could also be trawlers, tugs, RIBS, sportfishing boats, yachts, cruisers, and even cabin boats . While there is no hard and fast rule on the size of a pilothouse boat, there are many around 30 to 35 feet and others ranging from quite a bit smaller up to large yacht sizes as big as 80 feet). In this article, we’ll focus mostly on smaller pilothouse boats for cruising, fishing, offshore , and a few in the luxury category. We'll also share some of the best brands to look out for when choosing which to buy, whether it’s a new pilothouse boat or a used one .

Defiance Boats 250 Admiral EX. Defiance photo.

The Best Pilothouse Boat Brands for Cruising

• Ranger Tugs : One of the biggest names in the American boating industry, Ranger Tugs, is renowned for their robust, safe, well-designed tug boats, which thanks to their enclosed helm stations can also be classified as pilothouse boats. From the compact R-23, complete with a forward cabin, to the impressive R-43 Command Bridge, their current range retains the traditional styling of their workhorse ancestors. You’ll find plenty of Ranger Tugs on the used market too, with the success of previous models inspiring the current range.
• Raider Boats : Raider has been producing an impressive range of strong, reliable aluminum boats for over 30 years. Their range of 15 models—most of which are trailerable as they're under 30 feet in length—are versatile and can be easily configured to suit any use, from cruising to offshore, and fishing. Their construction methods are extraordinary, ensuring that every part of the vessel is as tough as possible, and that makes these one of our top choices for cruising.

Raider Boats 250 SeaRaider. Raider photo.

The Best Offshore Pilothouse Boat Brands

• Parker Offshore : Parker Offshore is another big name in the pilothouse sector, and to this day, the company continues to build hand-crafted, high-quality boats for commercial and governmental use, as well as recreational and sportfishing boats. With its origins in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Parker has built a reputation for strong, simple, seaworthy vessels, and their range Sport Cabins—all under 30 feet—exemplify everything we look for in a sturdy offshore pilothouse boat.
• Kingfisher : With seven models in the Offshore Series alone, ranging from 25 to 35 feet (and another five in the Coastal Series), you have plenty to choose from when it comes to serious offshore pilothouse boats. Kingfisher’s popularity is rising at a rate of knots and today it’s the fastest growing brand of welded heavy-gauge boats in North America.

Parker Boats 2320SC. Parket Boats photo. 

The Best Pilothouse Fishing Boat Brands

• Steiger Craft : Steiger Craft was founded in 1972—on the site of Alan Steiger's grandfather's bakery, which is still its home to this day—and their range of robust, functional, and trailerable fishing boats are all constructed by hand. While not all of Steiger's fishing craft are pilothouses, models such as the 28 and 31 Miami offer the chance to extend the fishing season and have more space for mounting of rods. These are undoubtedly some of the best offshore-ready fishing and family-friendly pilothouses on the market.
• Defiance Boats : Defiance describe their boats as the “ultimate sportfishing machine” and these compact, sturdy boats are able to take you safely 50 miles offshore to fish for tuna, Pacific Halibut, or Alaskan king salmon. Built with a 100% composite construction (no wood used), their boats are tough as nails, and the brand subsequently offers one of the most aggressive lifetime hull warranties on the market today. From the no-frills Admiral Series, to the family-friendly San Juan Series, there are plenty of sizes, styles, and accessories available.

Steiger Craft 28 Miami. Steiger Craft photo.

The Best Small Pilothouse Boat Brands

• SeaSport : The sleek lines and sheer ruggedness of the Sea Sport range makes these one of our favorite brands of small pilothouse boats. In fact, SeaSport says that their smallest model, the Sportsman 2200, is their most popular. With a dinette, sleeping accommodation for four, tons of storage space, and room to cook simple meals in the galley, it can easily transport a family on overnight cruising or fishing expeditions.

Osprey 24 Talon. Osprey photo.

The Best Affordable Pilothouse Boat Brands

• C-Dory : At Rightboat we feel that what is “affordable” is impossible to quantify absolutely and is different with each boat buyer. So we focus more on value for money, and for that reason we include C-Dory boats on this list. Not only do you get the high performance, impressive cabin space, and all the fishing extras you could need, but the classic styling makes these boats seem like much more expensive brands. The 25-foot Tomcat fishing catamaran in particular offers excellent value for money thanks to the increased interior space you get compared to a monohull of the same length.
• North Coast : Again, when we classify North Coast in this category, we don't mean these are cheap boats. What we mean is that you're getting bang for the buck with impressive speed, tons of fishing extras, plus sleek lines and a spacious cabin. They offer exceptional hydrodynamic efficiency, innovative hulls, and reliable offshore capabilities. Until recently the 315HT (which can sleep three and has a separate head) was their largest pilothouse model, but the new flagship 415HT under construction now offers sportfishing and weekend cruising in a very attractively priced package.

C-Dory 25 Tomcat Catamaran. C-Dory photo. 

The Best Luxury Pilothouse Boat Brands

• Axopar : Finnish brand Axopar is a name to watch as they continue to expand their already impressive range of luxurious day cruising and adventure boats. In the latter group are their XC Cross Cabin boats ranging from 28 to 45 feet in length, with sleek, elongated lines, and innovative designs that include features such as a gullwing door opening the cabin onto a foredeck with seating or large sundeck. They've been awarded some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, showing just how much of a stir they're making with these new ruggedly handsome and downright luxurious adventure boats.
• Nord Kapp Boats : Another Scandinavian brand is Norwegian Nord Kapp whose Coupe and RS Series offer some seriously luxurious and adventurous pilothouse models. They describe their boats as “more than just muscle—they're practical, efficient, and spacious” but we think they're being a bit humble. These are bold, high-performance powerboats that look as cool as they are cutting edge, technologically. Able to handle cold weather (thanks to Webasto heaters in the cabin), the Coupe 830, 905, 905 V12, and RS 800C are capable of extending your season significantly.

Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin. Axopar photo. 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Best Deck-Saloon/Pilothouse Cruiser: Stellar 52 Center Cockpit

• By Tim Murphy
• Updated: December 17, 2001

C01BOTY14.jpg

Of the 29 boats we tested, seven were designed with a cabin house that’s raised to bring light into the main saloon and provide virtually 360-degree visibility from below. We’ll discuss three later, in the category of luxury cruisers. Of the other four, the Tayana/Vancouver 460 Pilot is the only pilothouse in the traditional sense of having mechanical steering from the cabin. The Farr 50 Pilot House, designed by Bruce Farr and built in Sweden to specs from Boat Sales International in England, has an autopilot joystick at the nav station below; otherwise, it’s more akin to the boats called “deck saloons.” The North Wind 50 is an ICW-friendly center-cockpit sloop built by a Barcelona yard that’s been around since 1973. Finally, the Sparkman & Stephens-designed Stellar 52 Center Cockpit was built in Taiwan to specs from Stellar Offshore Yachts in Washington state.

Of these, the judges deemed the Stellar 52 the best combination of construction, layout, and value.

“Structurally,” said Ralph, “I think it was well done. It was basically Sparkman & Stephens adhering to an American Bureau of Shipping type of standard. The hull/deck joint is fastened on six-inch centers, sealed, and glassed. There are stringers inside the hull for stiffness.”

The Stellar’s simple cruising rig drew praise from the sailmaker. “Call me old-fashioned,” said Carol, “but I liked the rig. With more sophisticated rigs, you’ve got to go aloft to start tweaking on diagonals and reverse diagonals. With this rig, you could really stay on top of it, and do it from the deck.”

She also liked the Stellar’s deck layout. “The staysail track was in the right place on the cabin house. You could actually go to weather with that in a real blow because it has an inboard sheet lead. And it worked well with the genoa if you wanted to fly the two of them together.” On the Farr and the North Wind, the genoa and staysail share the same sheeting base.

Alvah liked that there was room on deck for a dinghy. “It wasn’t just the size of the boat; the foredeck layout left room for a good-size hard dinghy or RIB.”

He also found the cockpit designed well for keeping water out: “It had a nice rise on the bridgedeck from the cockpit, four one-and-one-quarter-inch scuppers, and a very stout, small main hatch, which I like.”

None of the judges was fond of the extent to which the deck-saloon design raises a boat’s center of gravity. “According to the numbers from S&S;, the area of negative stability begins at 115 degrees,” said Ralph, “and that’s with the understanding that the ballast is where it’s supposed to be. That 115 is the minimum number you’re allowed to have in the summertime Newport-to-Bermuda race. If you have 114, you’re not in the race.” In terms of ballast/displacement ratio, the Stellar (.315) fell in the middle of its group, ahead of the Tayana/Vancouver (.238) and North Wind (.272) but behind the Farr (.353), whose ballast is concentrated at the base of the keel.

The interior, finished with South American cherry on the vertical surfaces and a light pear on the horizontals, is lovely. “You have a lot of handrails and handholds down below,” said Carol.

She also liked the big chart table at the nav station, “one where you could actually get out parallel rules and dividers” in an age when many boatbuilders think we’ll be doing all our navigating electronically.

On the topic of electrics, Skip ranked the Stellar’s with the Morris (Luxury Cruiser category): “The electrical panel wasn’t only engineered beautifully; it was logical as hell. The design grouped together the pumps and the lights, and all the wiring was led to the back of the boards. That panel was just gorgeous.” As for engine access, Skip found it “a little difficult to get to some of the gear along the outer sides of the box,” but he noted that the engine would come out easily if you had to remove it.

Alvah saw individual things he would change, such as a complicated self-launching anchor roller whose entire structure depended on a single bolt. But when the judges compared the whole boat on its own merits with the Tayana/Vancouver and the North Wind, and given the $145,000 difference in price with the Farr 50, they felt unanimously that the Stellar rose to the top.

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• Dec 12, 2020

Pilothouse Sailboats: The Myth of Inside Steering

Updated: Feb 2, 2021

Prior to buying my Cooper 416 more than 20 years ago I was a "traditionalist" when it came to sailboats. I thought Pilothouse sailboats had way to much windage, the big doghouse was hard to see over, the inside steering station added additional maintenance, and they were hotter than a greenhouse in the Mohave Desert when cruising in tropical climates. And, I had not seen too many that were aesthetically appealing. I also felt that "real" sailors should be out in the elements with the wind and rain and the occasional dousing of salt spray peppering your face.

First, and most importantly let me clarify a distinction between modern pilothouse sailboats and motorsailers. For example, the Cooper 416, the Sceptre 41, the Dufour 12000CT, and others are what I consider "modern pilothouse" sailboats that have raised doghouses with sleek lines. Compare these to motorsailers such as the Nauticat 33 & 44, the Cabo Rico PH, and Fishers that look like someone took a sailboat and threw a giant window box on top of the coachroof. I am not a fan of motorsailers as theses types of sailboats embody all the negative connotations of pilothouse designs.

But, as my father was getting on in years, and after sailing (motoring) in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) for a few years where the winds are fickle, the currents strong, and the rain virtually constant...I decided that perhaps a pilothouse was the way to go for the PNW. The pilothouse layout would be more comfortable for my father than the full-keeled True North 34 sailboat that I had prior to my Cooper 416. And besides, if the weather was inclement with no wind and we were motoring (which is quite common in Puget Sound) it would be nice to be able to go below, throw some hot water on the stove for some hot chocolate, and keep watch in the warmth of the cabin while continuing my voyage.

But now, after owning my pilothouse sailboat for more than 20 years with thousands of sea and ocean miles below her...let me debunk the notion of the inside steering station and some of the common myths of a modern pilothouse sailboat.

As I said, after "sailing" in the PNW for 5 years, and with my father getting on in years I considered a pilothouse design as a reasonable compromise. For those of you not familiar with sailing in the PNW, the winds are usually light and variable due to the mountain ranges. There are days of pea soup fog that doesn't dissipate until after noon, and yes...more rain days than dry days. Hell, I even sailed in the snow. So sure, the idea of being able to go below and still keep a watch was more appealing to me. I was also getting older and wiser. Spending 6 hours in the cockpit sitting in the rain when it is 35F outside while motoring from Port Townsend back to Seattle was not fun. Sailing should be fun!

So, in 2000 I bought a Cooper 416 pilothouse sailboat designed by Stan Huntingford and built by Cooper Yachts in Coquitlam, BC, Canada. I also had my eye on a Sceptre 41. I liked the lower profile hull design of the Sceptre, but the interior layout of the Cooper won out. I sailed the boat around Vancouver Island twice, down to San Francisco, up and down the Salish Sea, and in 2019 sailed across the Pacific to Hawaii. And, after 20 years and more than 15,000 miles I realized that I probably actually steered using the inside steering station less than 1 hour.

OK...I acknowledge that I have an autopilot (and also windvane steering added in 2019). In my opinion every "cruising" sailboat should have an autopilot. There are times when I love the feel of the helm such as short day-sails with friends, teaching crew how to steer and maneuver, and beer can regattas such as the Downtown Sailing Series out of Elliott Bay Marina. And sometimes I like to give Tardis (the Garmin Reactor autopilot) and Hephzibah (the Hydrovane wind vane steering) a break, and take over the steering duties and rekindle the sense of sailing rather than just riding on a sailboat. But, it is pure folly to think that you are going to sit at the helm and steering a cruising sailboat for 6 or more hours day after day; it's just impractical.

But, even during these times when I took the helm, it was the helm in the cockpit. When I leave a berth or anchorage I am at the helm in the cockpit. When I am docking or dropping the hook I am at the helm in the cockpit. When I out with friends for a day sail I am at the helm in the cockpit. When I trim sails and setting Hephzibah I am in the cockpit. Even when I am motoring on windless days...I am usually in the cockpit standing watch and Tardis is steering the desired course.

Yes, during inclement weather and really cold days I would stand watch inside. The pilothouse is warm and dry and safe. Of course, I go below to cook nice meals and use the head feeling quite comfortable with Hephzibah or Tardis keeping S/V Discovery on course. The navigation station inside the pilothouse has radar, the primary chartplotter with AIS interfaced, and the autopilot master controller (an AP remote is located in the cockpit). So, with the electronic navigational systems and a 270 degree view ahead and abeam of the boat I feel pretty confident in adequate watch keeping. And more importantly, even during these times below deck either Hephzibah or Tardis were steering the course while the inside helm sat idle.

So, in October 2020 I decided the inside steering station added no benefit, and was just a meaningless "feature." So, I removed the inside helm and built a navigation console. Removing the inside helm pump also meant removing the old copper hydraulic lines and simplifying the hydraulic steering system (e.g. bleeding is easier and uses less fluid). It also removed the redundant gear and throttle control cables. And also, since the navigation station is the epicenter of the boat's electrical system, it also meant some electrical work. I also moved the electronic navigation systems into the console so they have easier access and visibility while sitting at the navigation station.

While the inside steering station on a sailboat seems like a pretty good idea, and certainly adds a "WOW" factor for guests, I must say that unless you sail in northern latitudes in blizzard-like conditions and all your sail controls are controlled via electric switches and motors, the inside steering station really doesn't make a lot of sense. This is not to say the pilothouse design isn't great...but steering from inside a pilothouse is done via an autopilot...not with a wheel .

Some other thoughts about pilothouse sailboats...

The windage myth...

Any surface area above the boat create windage. A J-boat has very little windage. A J-boat has very little if any creature comforts. A Nauticat 44 (motorsailer) has a huge doghouse and a lot of windage. Many of the sleeker pilothouse designs found on the Cooper, the Scepter, etc have less windage than a comparable sized Hanse or Beneteau or Janneau...especially the deck salons, or after adding a dodger and full enclosure around the cockpit.

The Greenhouse Effect myth...

There is a reason why many sailboats berthed or anchored for any length of time in the tropics is virtually covered from stem to stern with Sunbrella. The key to keeping any sailboat cool and comfortable in the tropics is ventilation and shade . This cannot be overstated enough. This means a tent over the foredeck, a boom tent over the doghouse, and a Bimini over the cockpit. Side curtains made from Phifertex around the cockpit also help keep things cool; they provide shade and allow airflow. New cruisers, or casual rally-rat cruisers are easy to spot...they are the folks who anchor their boats (sans canvas coverings) and hightail it to the nearest pub ashore to escape the heat.

Dual steering is difficult to maintain...

This puzzles me a bit. Most pilothouse boats with inside steering stations use hydraulic steering. This actually adds a bit of redundancy in the system should the pump at one of the helm stations break. But, the maintenance on a hydraulic steering systems involves checking the fluid level once a month once the system has been bled of all air (which can be challenging if done improperly). Also, it sure seems to me that if you're going to have 2 helms on a cruising sailboat to have one inside station and one cockpit station. Dual helms in the cockpit on a cruising sailboat makes about as much sense as 2 steering wheels in a car.

Cramped cockpits....

Yes, this is one of the real downsides of many pilothouse sailboats in the 30-50 foot range. The cabin interior is larger which mean the cockpits are smaller. Personally, I don't mind the small cockpit on passages because I sail alone or with 1 or 2 other crew and everything is within easy reach. But, for casual day sails with friends....the cockpit can get quite cramped and there is very little "social distancing" going on. But, the cockpit is still comfortable for 2 people to stretch out and relax on long passages.

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What is a Pilothouse Boat?

Pilothouse boats are exactly what they sound like: they have a pilothouse. The pilothouse can take many forms, but as a rule, true pilothouses enclose the helm station on both sides, the front, and the back, and can be completely sealed off from the elements. That’s why pilothouses are so popular in areas where the boating season may extend into the cooler months of the year, and protection from the elements is critical.

Beyond this one key feature, pilothouse boats can take all different designs and sizes.

• You’ll see some saltwater fishing boats that are essentially center consoles with a pilot house built around the console;
• You’ll see some walkarounds that have cabins forward of the fully-enclosed helm;
• And you’ll even see some trawlers that have raised pilothouses, sitting higher than the boat’s main cabin.

Explore All Boat Types

Advantages of Pilothouse Boats

The biggest advantage of a pilothouse boat is the one we mentioned right up front: complete protection from the weather. You can cruise in comfort whether it’s raining, sleeting, or snowing outside. And conversely, if you have a pilothouse boat large enough for air conditioning, you can remain inside and enjoy frosty breezes at the helm.

But there are some other advantages pilothouse boats also enjoy.

• Having a hard top over the helm makes for easier mounting points for accessories like radar domes and antennas, and in some cases allows for an upper steering station.
• If you like to socialize while you cruise, you’ll certainly like the fact that a pilothouse vastly reduces engine and wind noise and makes it much easier to have a conversation while underway.
• And since having the helm fully enclosed means your marine electronics and navigation instruments are always kept out of the sun, rain, and salt spray, they’re likely to last for years on end.

Basic Boat Electronics for Beginners

Drawbacks of Pilothouse Boats

There are, as with any type of boat design, also some down-sides to having a pilothouse.

The biggest is usually experienced when you’re at anchor or in the slip on a hot, sunny day. Unless your boat has air-conditioning, it’s likely to be hot and stuffy inside. While cruising you can always open a window and enjoy the breeze but when the boat isn’t moving, an overheated pilothouse can become very uncomfortable.

Depending on the size and style of the boat, pilothouses can also dominate a lot of space. On a 20-something-foot boat, for example, a center console takes up a lot less room and thus allows for more deck area. Having an open helm also usually results in better visibility.

Many modern pilothouse designs incorporate windows on all sides and do maintain excellent visibility 360-degrees around, but some others may restrict it somewhat or have blind-spots where supports or bulkheads block the view.

Finally, consider the matter of styling. This can be either a plus or a minus depending on your own personal tastes. Some people like the look of a pilothouse, which harkens back to classic commercial boats like tugs and fishing boats. But some other people prefer sleeker, more modern styling.

Is a Pilothouse Boat Right for You?

Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having a pilothouse, as you try to decide whether or not the design would be a top pick for your needs and that of your family.

As a general rule of thumb, it turns out to be a popular option in northern areas of the country where cold-weather boating is common. It’s also quite popular in places where boating in the rain is the norm, such as the Pacific Northwest.

Then, there are some southern boaters who get pilothouse models that are air-conditioned, mostly to stay out of the sun and the heat. And in all corners of the nation there are some boaters who want the extra weather protection because they plan to go out on the water even when the conditions are less than ideal.

You’re still not 100-percent sure if this type of boat will be the best choice for you? Try perusing our Boat Finder tool , to investigate all the other options at hand.

Read Next: Center Consoles vs. Walkaround Boats

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