Considerations for singlehanding with an enclosed cockpit

[TriangleTom]

I've started work on designing a hull, and I am absolutely confounded on how to arrange the cockpit in a way that will allow me to operate the boat single-handed. I figure that in order to do this safely, the boiler and engine should be right next to the wheel so that any important controls are quick to reach, but I'd appreciate any experience from people who've done this successfully.

My issues right now are that if I put the wheel, boiler, and engine at the very front of the cockpit, it will block visibility for any guests and won't allow any space for a woodpile. Conversely, if I move this to the very stern there should be space for a woodpile between the cockpit and transom, but now there's issues for visibility from the wheel. If the steering position is raised, that fixes the visibility issue but would require the engine and boiler to be elevated as well, and that gives me concerns about stability.

I'm sure I'm not the first person to be vexed by this, so any guidance to be heard would be extremely welcome!

[TahoeSteam]

Several ways to skin that cat.

One is centrally located, or slightly forward machinery, helm on the operator's side of hull. Additional hull at forward end of cockpit, or opposite side (or both!) to allow for pressing the passengers into service when you've got your head in the bilge.

Another option is a binnacle centred aft of the engine. Anyone could grab the helm in an emergency with that arrangement, but it blocks the machinery from view, and viewing the machinery is what it's all about RIGHT???

Another option (what I have on my launch) is a tiller of sorts mounted vertically, directly aft of the engine. It controls the rudder by arrangement of cables and pullies. The tiller has a pivot point in the arm so it can be tilted aft (or forward ) to meet the needs of the helmsman. That arrangement is flexible, and allows for the machinery to be seen in its full glory.

[barts]

I had all sorts of issues with our 19' launch which had a long tiller when I acquired the hull; it originally had an antique gas engine fitted. The tiller would hit people in the head if I wasn't careful as well.

I ended up making a push-pull tiller (like is fitted on a small racing dingy) and that has worked well, although it confuses some people when I ask them to help steer . Picture is from about 14 years ago....

Steam1_2487.NEF.jpg (129.23 KiB) Viewed 4314 times

Another approach is to fit a side wheel.

Rainbow, our 26' converted Navy whaleboat, will get a autopilot to help work the tiller for single handing.

[Lopez Mike]

What do you mean by a "closed cockpit"? I feel certain that you don't mean with a plexiglass bubble over your head (grin).

In my 24' launch the equipment arrangement from front to rear is:
Boiler
Feedwater pump
Engine
Steering pedestal

The pedestal is a 2" square tube mounted at an angle such passengers in the rear of the boat can stare at the valve gear. Wheel with chain and cable

I sit just to starboard of the steering wheel with all controls to hand. Bags of wood are just to starboard of the boiler with the firebox door facing aft and to starboard. The main disadvantage is that I must stir from my throne to fire.

When I figure out what I'm doing wrong here when trying to post a picture I will show you what I mean.