Wondering how often you use your fly bridge in PNW

[crowleykirk]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all🙂

I'm wondering how often those of you with a fly bridge use it when boating in the Pacific Northwest and Inside Passage etc.

Thank you🙂

 

[NewMoon]

In 18 summers cruising the Inside Passage on our 26-footer with an upper helm, we've driven up top only a few times each summer, usually while watching whales. More often we've spent time hanging out up there when anchored or tied up. The cool moist conditions, especially when combined with wind, just get to be uncomfortable. Our main helm is dry and comfy, has excellent visibility in all directions, more complete electronics, etc.

Upper helm is great at Lake Powell, but in hindsight I would probably have had the boat built without it.

 

[crowleykirk]

Thank you and Merry Christmas. Be curious how others respond but I imagine much the same. I was thinking whale watching as well, but maybe for the extra costs and maintenance etc just not worth it.

🙂

 

[RichardK]

Being in the Florida Keys in the winter and the Great Lakes in the summer, I don't know why I would have purchased the boat any other way.
Merry Christmas to all.

 

[aculverwell]

The command bridge on my R31 is my happy place-- I love piloting the boat & seeing the sights from that (relatively) high vantage point. The "windshield" does a pretty good job of deflecting the wind, so it is really quite comfortable and I can use the fly bridge most of the boating season here in the PNW. On a more practical level, the extra space up top really increases the living space on board and provides significantly more options for the family to have some private space on a long trip.

 

[crowleykirk]

My thinking is having a flybridge as well for the many reasons mentioned. Glad to hear you are using your in the PNW.

I can see both sides of this. I suppose if you have it it's nice to have the options. I do like the bridge on the 31 better than on the 29. We're hoping to find a good used 29 or 31 in the next year or so. Not quite there but we're getting close. As of spring we will be half year in Friday Harbor. If that goes well hoping to full time there soon.

Thank you guys for the replies.

Happy New Year to you all🙂

Kirk

 

[jagizzi]

FH is a great place to base your boat out of. We just finished our 6 month stint up here and love it.

Jim

 

[crowleykirk]

Thanks Jim, sounds like you had a great time. Can't wait.