Lower helm??

waggles02673 · Post by **waggles02673** » Thu Jul 21, 2016 11:36 am

Those of you that have a lower helm in your cabin do you find you use it? For me coming out of an express I like the idea of running the boat from down below and then when we get to the fishing grounds or docking run the boat from the FB.

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Thu Jul 21, 2016 4:27 pm

I've had them on other boats and never used them except when I was working on the engines.

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:26 pm

I've got the lower helm & I can't conceive of the idea of driving from it.Other than easy access when I'm working on the engines, it is just a waste of space. Al

GlacierGirl · Post by **GlacierGirl** » Fri Jul 22, 2016 7:33 am

I guess in my opinion and where I fish up here in Lake Superior I can't see not having lower controls. On nice days and docking I would say the bridge is used way more. But on the not so nice days I am not sure I would want a boat without them. Now that is just my opinion and I have a little bit different fishing area then most guys on here. Also I do not have full bridge canvas. If I had canvas maybe I have a change of heart but there are days where I am out that I would not want to be anywhere near my bridge controls. Too cold or to much spray. I guess all and all it is more what a guy prefers or believes he will use. I guess if I really liked a boat it would not stop me from a purchase either way. I would just find a way to work with or without them.

butch · Post by **butch** » Fri Jul 22, 2016 5:35 pm

Most of the guys I know that had the lower controls on 35's removed them. When I was shopping for a 35 Bert I remember my father saying no spence looking at a boat with cabin controls. That was in 1985/86 and remember his words " on a nice day you want to be on the bridge and a real bad day you better be on the bridge." I'm sure if I didn't have a good enclosure I would feel different. Visibility is the issue.

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:08 am

Mark, you can have the best of both worlds by having a full enclosure up top with a/c & heat. I have a Marine Air unit under the helm that I use for really nasty days. The front bench seat also becomes a fully air conditioned sleeping spot if you need more space. In full Florida sun during the day it will only cool to about 80, but in the evenings & rainy days it will get as cold as you want. Most of the time I run with the Isinglass rolled up, but it's nice to be able to roll them down in the rain & still be able to breath & see where you're going. An added feature is when the bridge air is on, the cabin stays ice cold!

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Tue Sep 13, 2016 7:13 pm

I have a lower helm on my b35 and use it all the time docking or putting around the creek. Also I run the boat single handed and lower helm helps When on plane I can't see well enough and prefer the bridge. All depends on how you use your boat Br,

mikehedb · Post by **mikehedb** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 12:52 pm

I have them, but have never used them other than for start up and shut down. I prefer running the boat from the flybridge because of visibility. I have considered removing the lower controls, but I would not gain anything. The cabinet where the controls are mounted also contain the electrical panels, etc.