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Pilothouse Boats
Your All-Weather Command Center on the Water
Some boats are fair-weather friends—great for sunny days but when the skies turn stormy, you're back at the dock. A pilothouse boat is a different beast. A pilothouse is the boat that won’t call it quits when the weather does—it's a true all-weather fishing machine.
Why a Pilothouse Boat Deserves a Spot in Your Dock
Effortless Mobility – Many models come with walkaround decks, giving you easy access to every part of the boat. Need to reel in a catch, tie off at the dock, or check your gear? No problem—move freely without squeezing through tight spaces.
Four Seasons, One Boat – Pilothouse boats don’t believe in off-seasons. Many come equipped with heating for cold mornings and air conditioning for sweltering afternoons, so you can hit the water whenever adventure calls.
Built for Those Who Do More on the Water
Fishing Fanatic’s Dream – With dedicated rod holders, livewells, and cavernous fish boxes, these boats are built for serious anglers.
Comfort First – When choosing a pilothouse boat, the primary goal is often comfort.
Sun Protection: A Game-Changer – A pilothouse dramatically reduces exposure to the sun. Sunscreen is still a necessity, but the ability to escape the heat and glare is an invaluable perk.
Weather-resistance – On most boats, wet foul weather gear is a persistent nuisance. Once salty and damp, it never truly dries, spreading its clammy misery throughout the cabin. But with a pilothouse, foul-weather gear spends time tucked away under a bunk.
The Practical Benefits
A Navigation Station with a View
One of the greatest advantages of a pilothouse is the raised navigation station. The nav desk is perfectly positioned to provide a clear view of the horizon while keeping navigation equipment safe and dry. Critical digital navigation tools are protected from rogue waves.
Navigating through complex waterways is vastly easier with a direct sightline to both electronic charts and real-world channel markers. The integration of AIS data, radar, and other instruments within easy reach made for confident, stress-free piloting.
Design Considerations: Are There Downsides?
While pilothouse boats offer numerous benefits, no design is without trade-offs. Here are a few compromises to consider:
Added Weight
Some sailors argue that a pilothouse adds weight, potentially affecting performance. But for most, the comfort and protection are well worth the trade-off.
Space Trade-Offs
To accommodate the pilothouse, both the main cabin and cockpit sacrifice about five feet of combined space. While this slightly reduces the overall living area, the benefits of the pilothouse—such as an integrated nav station and additional storage—help balance out this loss.
For the serious angler who likes to venture out into deeper waters and wants to fish year-round, a pilothouse boat could be the best choice. Think this might be the right boat type for you? Visit the T23 Pilothouse or the T25 Pilothouse pages for details and specs or get more info from your local Bayliner dealership.
