Buying a wheelhouse/ coupe boat - what to look for
- The wheelhouse boat is a well suited boat for weekend trips or vacations at sea. The size of the boat will be significant in how the boat facilitates longer trips.
- Wheelhouse boats slightly less equipped can also be a good alternative as a fishing boat, in these type of boats the wheelhouse itself is found much further forward towards the bow. This is to make space for a larger aft deck.
- The wheelhouse boat can also be utilized as a boat for commuting to work or for other purposes. in Scandinavia, this is popular if you live in citys at the sea or on islands out in the archipelago.
In general the wheelhouse boat is a well suited alternative for roundyear use.
The Coupe 905 from Nordkapp.
The wheelhouse boat has increased in popularity during the latter years. A high number of new models are on the market and the common denominator is the roundyear use you get from these boats. The Coupe 905 combines the features of the walkaround boat with that of wheelhouse, cabin boats.
The Coupe 905 - a Scandinavian designed wheelhouse boat.
Wheelhouse boat as cabin boats
Many of the wheelhouse boats are delivered with a separate or semi-separate cabin, and can show for a high comfort level. The size of the cabin depends on how fart towards the bow the cabin is placed. Some wheelhouse boats are also delivered as "walkarounds", where you can move from bow to stern on both sides of the wheelhouse. Find below some of the assets you should look for in a wheelhouse boat:
- Bedspace/berth: For how many people does the bedspace and berth function?
- Toilet: Does the boat have a separate toilet room or is the toilet out in the cabin?
- Lighting: How are the cabin lights designed, what type of lighting do they give and how are they operated?
The wheelhouse boat is used roundyear, and many of the boats have webasto-heating, freshwater and bedspace. Take a closer look at the video to see how the wheelhouse boat can facilitate high-end comfort, regardless of weather and conditions.
Design and functions: what can you expect?
The design of the hull and level of noise in the cockpit are important aspects in a wheelhouse boat. To gain a high level of space in the cockpit and cabin, the hull design will be wider which in turn may give less comfortable seagoing characteristics. The angle of the hull (typical for V-hull technology) and its design has a great effect on the threshold of planing the boat, its crusing speed and top speed as well as affect from currents and sidewinds.
In your evaluation of a set of wheelhouse boats, you should take time and emphasize these seagoing characteristics. The best way to do this is to test drive the boats when possible.
Convenience and comfort
The drivers position in the wheelhouse boat often emphasizes the ability to handle the boat alone. Still, you should make a notice of the position of cockpit doors on starboard side, this is a feature you will fall in love with when you start using your boat.
Most wheelhouse boats do also have practical pantry solutions, either hidden underneath seats or as a separate part of the cockpit. Included in the pantry section, or often close to it, the fridge serves as a desired equipment. A good tip is to check out the functionality of these and the size of the fridge itself.
Equipment, facilitating an easier drivers experience
- Bow and stern drive (thrusters): These are great aids to use, especially on windy days and in smaller, narrow boat berths. When evaluating wheelhouse boats, this is for sure equipment you should emphasize.
- Trim flaps: Many of the modern boats are delivered with trim flaps to easier correct the angle of the boat at heavy side winds. This makes the ride so much more joyful for both you and your passengers.
- Anchor vinch: electrical anchor winch enables you to operate the boat alone, even when using the anchor to dock. The anchor winch can often be operated through a remote control, and if you choose a bow thruster this typically can be operated from the same remote
- Cockpit door on starboard side: This feature can easilly be underestimated, but when handling a large size wheelhouse boat alone its a feature you cannot do without. It facilitates easy docking, access to ropes and enable you to pass through for mooring the boat.
