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Old 08-28-2012, 01:29 PM   #9
Art
Guru
 
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City: SF Bay Area
Vessel Model: Tollycraft 34' Tri Cabin
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,569
IMO - Should have both! Salon and bridge pilot stations have + and - for differing reasons. Here are a few for the bridge!

1. Seasonal weather enjoyment,
2. Docking and/or anchoring reasons/conditions – instant 360 degree views,
3. Relaxing while on the hook,
4. Talking to other boat's passengers,
5. Reading books,
6. Privacy while writing poetry or having a close conversation,
7. Keeping close eye on young grand kids while swimming, or on boat decks, or while in the dink,
8. Watching fireworks on the 4th,
9. More room to have guests,
10. Greater safety in dual starter/controls/gauge stations,
11. Easier more accurate maneuvering in tight conditions or heavy boat traffic or heavy debris areas (such as Hells Gate NY NY),
12. Breathing room... when needed,
13. More seating,
14. Good sun-tan location,
15. Watching whales/seals/proposes,
16. Better night time piloting vision,
17. Increased hearing of area sounds while cruising (in day, night, or fog), or at dock, or at anchor,
18. Open-air for clearest, most unobstructed spotlight use,
19. Capability to keep close eye on those bottom fishing,
20. Visual trawling assistance to see angle of fishing pole lines and to follow chum line, and;
21. Of course... one of the most useful/prized commodities to assist ANY boat owner - - > Added cabinets and deck space to store more marine items, swimming apparatus, coolers, filled garbage bags – or, as often happens – simply some useless junk!

Just to mention a few of my reasons for having a bridge! lol

PS: I pilot from the bridge 99.9% of the time and love to often be on top when anchored in good weather ... so... my take on liking a fly bridge may be just a little bit slanted!

Art
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