[PCW] Flybridge

[Robert Deering]

Hi Gary,

I've been considering the same question here in Alaska.  For what it's
worth, here are my thoughts on the subject:

 - A flybridge position, being up high, will magnify boat motion, both
side to side and pitching.  If you are running in rough water you should
think about this carefully.  Since you plan to run primarily in rivers &
estuaries it probably won't be a big issue.

 - The flybridge position offers a lot of advantages in visibility.  You
can see into the water.  Designed right, you have 360 degree visibility.
You can see all 4 corners of the boat.

 - I simply don't see the point of having both a flybridge AND a helm
inside, unless you are operating a very big boat (i.e. you're rich).  My
thinking is that you should create a flybridge helm that is your primary
helm, with perhaps an aft cockpit steering station for docking,
trolling, etc.

 - Here in Juneau the weather can be miserable at times so most
flybridges are fully enclosed with canvas.

 - Many boats here, both cat & mono, run from their flybridges.
Operators seem happy with that arrangement in general.

Bob Deering
Juneau Alaska

-----Original Message-----
From: power-catamaran-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:power-catamaran-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of Gary
Stavrou
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 9:49 PM
To: PowerCatermaran PowerCatermaran List
Subject: [PCW] Flybridge

In my search to buy my first power catamaran, there is a basic early  
decision to make... whether to have a flybridge or not.
My feeling is that in the many rivers and estuaries that I hope to  
cruise on the eastern Australian coast a flybridge would be the  
preferred helm position.
Obviously there is a premium to be paid for a flybridge; extra cost,  
extra height, reduced stability, exposed instrumentation etc.
My question to persons on this list is:
(a) if your cat has a flybridge, do you use it as much as you thought  
you would or is the cabin helm more convenient?
(b) if your cat doesn't have a fly bridge do you wish it did?
Thanks
Gary
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