Quote:
Originally Posted by Eleuthera 2014
Hi SH, another one worthy of drool. In concept, both of these boats are close to Amel 55. The OP suggested a Tayana 52-55... this indicates to me that LIKE ME, he's another poor schmuck...
If I'm not careful, I will die of hunger with some overpriced toys in my possession.  |
I have been on a new Tayana 55 and and thought it was a very nice looking boat too, and what I remember most was LOTS of
wood in the
interior. But, for me the Amel boat has something different about it that I find appealing and sensible.
The OP mentioned the seated wheel position (on the forward bulkhead of the cockpit). At first I thought that looked odd. But, after considering the times when I would want to use it, it makes sense and to be UNDER the hard
dodger makes sense.
As you pointed out, most cruising will be done using an
autopilot, so the time "at" the wheel is minimal on most voyages.
When would I WANT to be at the wheel (actually using it)?
Aside from
docking, maneuvering in close quarters, or encountering vessel traffic, the other time would be in challenging conditions such as a storm or high winds or limited visibility, etc. During those times I would not want to depend on an
autopilot to do the piloting. During those times, it is also likely that the helmsman would be MORE comfortable and alert IF they are protected from spray, rain, cold
wind, etc. That is, UNDER the hard dodger, NOT in an exposed position in a
cockpit. So, the Amel design (wheel on the bulkhead and UNDER the hard dodger) seems IDEAL to me for those circumstances.
So, what seemed "odd" at first, after much thought on it, seems "ideal" now.
I see this as an example of how considering a "different" design from the aspects of WHY it was designed that way and then matching that to real experience (I have spent stormy nights on watch alone in a cockpit) makes a lot of sense, at least it does to me.
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