Bertram33 User Forum

Those of you that have a lower helm in your cabin do you find you use it? For me coming out of an express I like the idea of running the boat from down below and then when we get to the fishing grounds or docking run the boat from the FB.

I've had them on other boats and never used them except when I was working on the engines.

I've got the lower helm & I can't conceive of the idea of driving from it.Other than easy access when I'm working on the engines, it is just a waste of space. Al

I guess in my opinion and where I fish up here in Lake Superior I can't see not having lower controls. On nice days and docking I would say the bridge is used way more. But on the not so nice days I am not sure I would want a boat without them. Now that is just my opinion and I have a little bit different fishing area then most guys on here. Also I do not have full bridge canvas. If I had canvas maybe I have a change of heart but there are days where I am out that I would not want to be anywhere near my bridge controls. Too cold or to much spray. I guess all and all it is more what a guy prefers or believes he will use. I guess if I really liked a boat it would not stop me from a purchase either way. I would just find a way to work with or without them.

Most of the guys I know that had the lower controls on 35's removed them. When I was shopping for a 35 Bert I remember my father saying no spence looking at a boat with cabin controls. That was in 1985/86 and remember his words " on a nice day you want to be on the bridge and a real bad day you better be on the bridge." I'm sure if I didn't have a good enclosure I would feel different. Visibility is the issue.

Mark, you can have the best of both worlds by having a full enclosure up top with a/c & heat. I have a Marine Air unit under the helm that I use for really nasty days. The front bench seat also becomes a fully air conditioned sleeping spot if you need more space. In full Florida sun during the day it will only cool to about 80, but in the evenings & rainy days it will get as cold as you want. Most of the time I run with the Isinglass rolled up, but it's nice to be able to roll them down in the rain & still be able to breath & see where you're going. An added feature is when the bridge air is on, the cabin stays ice cold!

I have a lower helm on my b35 and use it all the time docking or putting around the creek. Also I run the boat single handed and lower helm helps When on plane I can't see well enough and prefer the bridge. All depends on how you use your boat Br,

I have them, but have never used them other than for start up and shut down. I prefer running the boat from the flybridge because of visibility. I have considered removing the lower controls, but I would not gain anything. The cabinet where the controls are mounted also contain the electrical panels, etc.