A Pilothouse will protect you

Exposure to wind, rain, and cold will inevitably affect your crew and can lead to lethargy, seasickness, and poor decision-making. Spray just makes things even worse!

Excessive heat is debilitating, yet yachts rarely provide enough shade on deck. The great thing about a pilothouse is that you are protected from the elements.

What is a pilothouse yacht?

  • The design and layout allow the crew to keep a safe and effective watch without having to be on deck
  • There must be all-round visibility from within the yacht's accommodation - somewhere for a crew member to keep watch comfortably whilst fully protected from the elements
  • Most pilothouse yachts have an inside steering position, but this isn’t essential provided it only takes a few seconds to reach the cockpit. You may find engine controls by the chart table together with an autopilot joystick instead of a wheel
  • A wheelhouse is a pilothouse which contains the vessel’s main steering position

Pilot Saloon, Deck Saloon, Raised Saloon, PH, DS, DSC, RS - What do these mean?

Types of Pilothouse

Yacht builders describe their yachts in various ways and these terms all refer to pilothouse or deck saloon yachts. "Pilothouse", "Pilot House", "Pilot" or "PH" nearly always mean that you can keep an effective watch from within. A "Raised Saloon" is usually similar.

A "Deck Saloon" or "DS" yacht may look like a pilothouse yacht but often has a conventional deep saloon. You probably can’t see out without standing on tiptoe and watchkeeping may be impossible. What is really confusing is that several true pilothouse yachts are named "DS"!

We will certainly include a deck saloon yacht on this site but only if you can keep watch from inside.

Why you need a Pilothouse yacht!
Why you need a Pilothouse yacht!

The ideal pilothouse
Here are some features to aim for:
  1. 360° vision from a seated position
  2. Plenty of space for the crew including some off-watch. Plus a couch for catnapping!
  3. Fully equipped chart table separate from the dining area
  4. Ample ventilation even with the windows closed
  5. Windscreen wipers and an anti-mist blower
  6. Internal wheel and/or autopilot joystick together with engine controls
  7. Skylight for observing sails and also for ventilation
  8. Some screening for sun and privacy
  9. Unobstructed view forward from the cockpit