I got to agree with Kelly on the helm. Looks like it belongs on a SUV to me.

For many boats, it seems to me that too much thought is put into styling, and not enough thought in the functionality. I think the integration of MFDs has made it a bit difficult for the designers, and I don't think they have found the ideal layout quite yet. Some of the earlier generation MFD capable helms were horrible. At least I think they are getting closer.

I am not saying it is alltogether bad, however, I'll depart from Kelly and say I would prefer the MFD to center, or maybe just left of center. The reasoning is that more and more, critical gauges are going to be moved over to the MFD - if for no other reason than cost - and eventually, I think we'll see less and less analog gauges. For that reason, it would seem easier to read for the helmsman if electronic readouts such as engine parameters were at center.

What I would like to see is something more flat; maybe more reminiscant of an aircraft cockpit. And take it one step further with maybe a modular-like helm system where each gauge could be snap-in. But I suppose that might end up costing more, I dunno.

But if you look at the new BlueSea modular electrical panels, that is what I mean. Envision a grid with maybe 2x2, 3x3, or 3x6 openings, with snap in plates that could go into each. Then depending on the boat, you could populate the grid with the gauges, switches, or whatever you needed. And even maybe the grid itself could be reconfigured so that you could add a MFD wherever you wanted it. Maybe a Lego kind of approach?

But we all have our own likes, and some may not like what I do. I guess that is why there are a lot of different boat models to choose from.

This is what a dash looks like on current cruisers...a flat dash makes the boat look dated.

I am sure you are correct WD; I guess I am getting old and dated myself. I don't like where the dash is all segmented into small areas - I think that doesn't allow as much area for placement of instruments.

This is more my style - although my "dream helm" would have more MFDs and fewer analogs:

I'm not a fan of the flat style helms either, I agree they look dated and cluttered at times. Keep the lines flowing, and keep it simple is what the current trend is, and I like it. Too many gauges and different sized/years and types of instruments make it look too busy , and kinda red neck looking. It's almost like it says "hey look at all the stuff I have, and neat blinking lights, I have a seperate gauge for everything but when dinner is ready".
The new technology allows builders to combine many of the instruments all in one neat organized display, which makes sense to me.

But.... I like blinkies (blinking lights).

How about the big displays of the GPS, etc. front and center?

GPS front and center is the way I would like too. I'm already using mine all the time to look at the mph. I don't use the always off speedo gauge anymore.