Helm-Side Decisions

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Few experiences are as nerve-wracking as entering a challenging harbor at night, in weather, sans local knowledge. For millennia, this scenario spelled doom for countless seamen, but today’s advanced helm electronics have greatly softened this experience. However, while technology is superb at providing critical information, determining what gear to have aboard during testy situations is a commitment decision.

As with every important decision, selecting a new helm is an involved process. “These days, customers can make electronics purchases well ahead of their delivery date or refit,” says Larry Schildwachter of Seattle’s Emerald Harbor Marine (www.emeraldharbormarine.com). “It can be a one- to three-year process to finalize a helm.” The best way to begin helm hunting is by first shopping for a knowledgeable and experienced dealer/installer — someone whom you trust and with whom you can work. Next, attend a boat show with your dealer to get a market overview before carefully working up a master list. Then, once populated, use future shows to capitalize on boat-show specials. “Attending the big boat shows is useful because you can visit the factory booth and get the product walk-through from the experts,” Schildwachter says. “And owners can save money on gear.”

In addition to offering deals, shows can provide an opportunity for the dealer to learn more about you and your cruising goals in a less formal setting than an office — critical information that he will use when helping you select the best tools for your goals. “Boat shows are a great opportunity to walk the floor with a customer and see all the gear, especially for green customers who don’t have a brand preference,” says Fred Gilbert at Seattle’s S3 Maritime (www.s3maritime.com). “It’s a chance to gain insight into their cruising plans. Then [afterwards], we can nail down their list.”

Schildwachter and Gilbert both suggest that a good dealer is brand-blind and will instead spend time working with customers to identify their needs, and to help them build a helm that’s suited for their cruising agenda. “It’s important,” Schildwachter says, “that their purchase order matches their long-term goals.” Likewise, Gilbert points to the importance of working directly with an owner — rather than a captain — on the purchase order. “If the captain leaves, the gear is still there,” he says.

After you’ve attended a show and have a good understanding of what’s available, it’s time to start making broad-stroke decisions. To focus your efforts, consider where you most enjoy spending time while aboard. If you’re happiest at the main helm, a great strategy is to concentrate the electronics suite here, while limiting the flying bridge to a more basic package, or vice versa.

Technology and durability are the next big-picture areas to consider. Here, you often must decide between buying cutting-edge technology and selecting sea-proven equipment. “I use a combination of cutting-edge and tried-and-true gear,” Gilbert says. “I don’t want to steer someone toward gear that I’m not confident in. Usability is huge. It’s great if something is loaded with bells and whistles, but if an owner can’t use it, it’s no good.” Schildwachter concurs, but errs even more on the conservative side, commenting that he “likes bulletproof gear, rather than being the guinea pig.”