So many items, huh?

Almost as many as an Osprey(V-22)

Very busy. You would need a WSO on board to help the skipper.

It is very busy, but once you got used to know where to look, it may not be too bad. Fire all that stuff up and you'd probably lose all your night vision though.

Still, looks like a one man setup. No dedicated positions for engineer or navigator.

Kelly

I'll bet half that stuff never gets used. He just couldn't stand having empty space in the dash. Also, I wouldn't put cupholders 2 inches from the radar screen. I don't want the coffee anywhere near the electronics.

AnchorYanker - Dumb question no doubt. But on a crewed vessel does the chief engineer typically stay on the bridge? Or spend most of his time wherever the current fire is burning? Or in the engine room? Or?

lost Kelly

I kinda like all that junk on the helm. Makes it look important.

Oh and Anchor Yanker - I think those are actually beer holders (no place for the cup handle).

I thought one could get all the stuff to match better.

In my view ANY "woody" panel finish is a very bad choice for a helm with modern screens. Some metallic finish would look more appropriate. Sadly, many go to the other extreme, with silvery plastic.

Kelly

I have found folks re-do these helm panels to fit their colors, size needs, and finish preferences.

What would be a good color for you?

Of course the vast majority of flybridge helms are simply white fiberglass. Which is not the best either. For a flybridge helm I would pick Cerulean or Steel blue -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice-Blue_(color)

For an inside helm, a much lighter color.

Kelly

I would like some contrast to the sea water outside.