Every position has good and bad points, and depends in part on what type of sailing you do.
- I could not see why anybody would have dual
helm positions at the extreme stern of the hulls: need to duplicate
instruments, poor visibility forward (as you noted), not under
bimini so exposed to the elements. BUT having tried it, you do get GREAT view of the
sails (better by far than the small window in a bimini), side-to
docking is much easier, and you have your face to the
cockpit, so you feel more part of whats going on, can keep an eye on
sheets and crew etc. And if you are under
autopilot for passage-making, the exposure problem is reduced. (Although some
helm positions of this type LOOK, to me, positively unsafe - I just cannot imagine having to helm from the 'rear corner' in bad
weather when the
autopilot has packed up or not up to the job)
- With helm on the
saloon bulkhead, where you see OVER the
saloon, you get 360 deg. visibility, plus (usually) can see all four corners, are under cover from elements, have one position for
instruments, and is probably the best place to be in really bad weather. BUT - your back is to the
cockpit, you are higher than the cockpit, you can be a long way from the pontoon when doing side-to
mooring, and the view of the sails is poor (through bimini). Again use of autopilot will change the importance of some of this on
passage.
- With helm on the saloon bulkhead, where you see THROUGH the saloon: I have never tried it, but visbility must be poor.
440 flybridge approach may be OK for charter-party but I would not entertain it for cruising, for the reasons you state.