Show your helm!

Older pic before new electronics (below)

Ok when I get back I need a helm pic and I will not photoshop like you guys

I've had it with you guys hiring Hollywood models to adorn your helms.

Here's mine.

Sorry for the mess:

A view of a fly birdge helm

Compact and functional. The seat is a double and on port side there is a copilot station with room for charts and duplicate radio and chart plotter-radar for the Admiral. I have too wheels spoked and destroyer and its a quick change.

I directed the location of devices on the upper half of the panel.

Peter B said:

Yeah, I'd feel right at home at that helm Al. The helms not that bad either...

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MYTraveler said:

Sorry for the mess:
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The wheel is missing ... I guess you do not need one with all these electronics, autopilots, etc ...

I've noticed on several boats, especially Grand Banks, there's a brass or metal tube that runs from the middle of the lower helm up to the overhead. What is that?? is that just a cable run to the flybridge? Seems like it would be in the way, and kinda annoying.

After my recent mini refit I have old and new versions.

Richard W said:

The wheel is missing ... I guess you do not need one with all these electronics, autopilots, etc ...

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Don't need wheels. He probably has jog lever steering. Much easier than spinning helms even with power assist.

Wayfarer said:

I've noticed on several boats, especially Grand Banks, there's a brass or metal tube that runs from the middle of the lower helm up to the overhead. What is that?? is that just a cable run to the flybridge? Seems like it would be in the way, and kinda annoying.

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The tube or pipe is used for a chase for wiring and steering connections to the flybridge. Many older trawlers had chain and sprocket steering.

Sailor of Fortune said:

Don't need wheels. He probably has jog lever steering. Much easier than spinning helms even with power assist.

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The wheel was off in that picture, but can be seen in the first pic. In practice, you are right -- we don't use the wheel, but use the AP rudder control instead. The boat has jog levers at 4 of its 6 stations (the wing stations on the Portuguese bridge, the tower and the cockpit -- wheels in the pilot house and on the fly bridge), and those are very convenient.

Have done an upgrade with new Laptop and Monitor since but the layout is the same.

Simple but effective.

Wayfarer said:

I've noticed on several boats, especially Grand Banks, there's a brass or metal tube that runs from the middle of the lower helm up to the overhead. What is that?? is that just a cable run to the flybridge? Seems like it would be in the way, and kinda annoying.

Click to expand...

That tube is where you yell your commands to the first mate when she's doing something wrong. Then you use it to bang your head against when she ignores your very accurate and specific commands.

Lower and upper helm. 99% of the time I'm at the lower helm. I get a better view of my admiral... not to mention keeping an eye on my favorite anchor and listening to the twins...


The tube is a cable run for flying bridge steering and engine controls. I don't notice that it's there anymore. I've been known to use it to hang on during abnormal rolling and pitching.

markpierce said:

I directed the location of devices on the upper half of the panel.

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I like my Garmin better too.

timjet said:

I like my Garmin better too.

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That's my "fishfinder." Don't fish, but a large display showing the depths of the often shallow waters here is very helpful. (Recommended by my China-based builder who used to sail here.)

markpierce said:

That's my "fishfinder." Don't fish, but a large display showing the depths of the often shallow waters here is very helpful. (Recommended by my China-based builder who used to sail here.)

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I could use that! I'll trade you for a digital depth meter. Non-confusing, digital display with good contrast day and night.

Special deal....only for you, GI.

FlyWright said:

I could use that! I'll trade you for a digital depth meter. Non-confusing, digital display with good contrast day and night.

Special deal....only for you, GI.

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Al, we can talk about it tomorrow over beer(s), but your chances of a trade at this point are zero.

Here's mine .

Not a single piece of electronics, made this century.....Hopefully all upgraded soon.

I love looking at all the different Helm Layouts! We are looking at modifying ours to have a black helm face. Any suggestions on material to use or materials or surface texture to "Stay Away" from??




Norm Miller
Quiet Company
Great Harbour GH47

Sent from my iPad using Trawler Forum

Spottsville said:

I love looking at all the different Helm Layouts! We are looking at modifying ours to have a black helm face. Any suggestions on material to use or materials or surface texture to "Stay Away" from??

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Flat black is best for night vision. Mine is made from formica.

Home away from home.

Spottsville said:

I love looking at all the different Helm Layouts! We are looking at modifying ours to have a black helm face. Any suggestions on material to use or materials or surface texture to "Stay Away" from??

Click to expand...

Mine is also formica. Will probably do some upgrading next year. Have done some chanes this year and needed to make some cover and switch panels. 1/4" black starboard works very well for that.

Ted