Dual helms

As a personal choice I would always opt for an upper and lower helm. It just makes life easier and gives you options.

As to costs, little to worry about there. If anything, the flybridge controls and instruments will give more problems due to sun and salt.

The sportfishing builders are running heavily to upper only. For instance, Hatteras only has upper helms in their Motoryachts. Personally, I hate that. I don't want a boat without a lower helm. Yes, they like to use that space for a country kitchen and things like that. Still a helm just doesn't take that much space. Also, most who have upper only have enclosed bridges or at least bridges they keep enclosed most of the time. I like being able to have an open flybridge in the summer and just use an enclosure for colder weather.

It's all just personal preference.

I'd say owner operators or even owners with crew where the owners take the helm regularly tend to like dual helms more also. When only a captain is operating the boat then an enclosed flybridge seems to be preferred by many owners.

Personal preference.

We had a dual helm, once, and I liked that. OTOH, we seldom actually used the lower helm; usually that was when it was unusually cold outside during a trip on our normal season, or when sea states were choppy enough that our big dogs got nervous down below,

Now we run from a mostly-enclosed flybridge -- closed forward, and completely open aft during the warm months. That works for us now... given now we have stairs to the bridge and the big dog could join us up above.

-Chris

It depends on how you use your boat. If you single hand her, you’ll want the lower helm.

Depends where you are... in colder areas a lower helm will extend your boating season although a well designed quality enclosure on the FB can be a good compromise

Lower helms are great for docking if you have side doors. I dont think aft cabins carvers do. Aft visibilty isnt good and you re a long way to your lines on most aft cabin boats

Inclimate weather happens. Zipped up eisenglass can turn a flybridge into a sauna. Dual helms isn't double the trouble, it's twice the convenience.

Which is another reason for a lower helm. Closer proximity to the coffee maker.

The start of our cruising day is typically like this. Up and preparing around 6:30. Undock at 7:00. Pull away from the marina, while everyone gathering. Then breakfast is started so the gathering is from helm to salon. By 8:30 or so everyone has enjoyed their breakfast and the outside temperature is warming. Dishes are washed and about 9:00 or so we move up to the bridge.

It's nice to not be separated during breakfast preparation and the meal itself. Also nice to stay inside while the chill (depending on where we are) is still outside.

I like a lower helm as well. It’s nice to have options. The boats are now on the hard, winterized and winter covered for the next 6 months. Lower helms are nice when the boat comes out of hibernation. I envy you fellows in the warm southern part of this world.

I have a Carver 4207 with dual helm. I also don't have any shade or enclosure for the upper and never plan to. Why would I when I can go down below and be comfortable? Yes it has draw backs like resistance in the shifter or throttle cable, but the positives outweigh the negatives.

Well, I'd encourage a canopy for the bridge to enjoy it with protection from the sun. We're very protective of each other and guests when it comes to sun. That includes making sure everyone is covered with high SPF lotion. Boat rule is no getting sunburned.

I live in the UK. We are still trying to find this mythical Sun you speak of. We have a Rain, another type protection is needed (with added heating).

Still reason to have some form of top, except adds need for enclosure.

a lower helm also allows your ears, nose, and eyes detect trouble. After years on a lower station only boat, I felt disconnected with things when placed on the roof..

Very good point!

We have dual helms and, while I've only driven from the lower helm a couple of times, it was nice to be able to get in out of the weather (cold, rainy) and be more comfortable.

Our fly bridge has a complete enclosure and in the summer we usually run with all the side and aft panels removed and the front ones snapped up so they're open. Makes for comfy cruising in our hot, desert climate.