R-31 Access To Side Decks

[Spinner]

This is a question specifically about the sedan version of the R-31 WITH the optional cockpit steering station.

Do you use it? What about sight lines forward? Any issues with access to the starboard side deck?

Thanks!

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

Hello, The cockpit steering station came our new 31 last year and we were asking ourselves similar questions. Until our first outing at Blake Island stuck in a corner one morning with boats ratted on both docks with very little room to get out. In fact, we had to back out. The cockpit steering station made us look like pros and we got nothing but stares, thumbs up, an wow from the dock. Didn't even use a boat stick. Anyway, we use it regularly for backing out of our boat house and dock area and have used it many time during docking and tight maneuvers. May use of trolling for salmon some day as well. It's a great feature and we use it regularly. Go for it. Bill and Donna

 

[Spinner]

Thanks! Do you find that the cockpit steering station impairs access to the starboard side deck?

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

In some ways it is easier and more secure than the starboard access because their is a stainless step to protect the station and provide access to roof.

 

[overload]

We have the cockpit helm on our C28. We are river rats on the Tennessee. For locking thru and tying up it is a dream situation for just one person. The combination of cockpit steering and thruster remote control simplifies backing down or tight maneuvers.

BAMA GIRL
C28

 

[lashobe]

Another benefit of the aft station is when doing any fishing or crabbing. It is terrific when combined with auto pilot and a tolling valve. This is in addition to the other benefits listed above.

 

[Spinner]

Thank you for the replies! I single hand, so the docking aspect sounds good. However, it's not too clear to me how the skipper has any visibility straight ahead or off the port bow when standing behind the cabin... This is the R-31 I am curious about, any R-31 Sedan owners want to chime in?

 

[Dale777]

Spinner,

I can't speak to the value of the cockpit helm when trolling, crabbing or fishing.

However, if you are mostly concerned with docking single handed, I find with my R31 sedan I can dock stern in with no problem by standing facing aft with my head out the helm door allowing me to judge how to maneuver. Docking portside alongside a dock is even easier by sticking my head out the helm door while facing forward.

Once the boat is stopped in position to tie up, I use the remote thruster control if needed while I tie lines. Even with the remote thruster control around my neck, I always ensure I have a line in hand that is cleated to the boat before stepping off the boat to tie up.

 

[Spinner]

Thanks for the info!

My question is really in regards to using the aft steering station for non-docking activities, such as while fishing.....does anyone have experience with that?

 

[nzfisher]

I use my r25 for fishing and I wish I had a rear station. Take a walk around any dock and look at the serious fishing boats and you will see a lot of rear stations. Take a look at "sidetrack"(s) album if you are serious about fishing for great ideas for modifications.