3207 Adding a lower helm station

[Dad Joke]

I might have an opportunity to remove the lower helm station from another 3207 for future installation on mine. I'm imagining the removal should be fairly simple (famous last words). Steering hoses and wiring probably connect to the same systems from the upper helm to the engine bay through the corner of the forward head. Throttle and shift cables probably go through the salon floor to the engines. I'm planning to remove the windshield wipers too.

Has anyone done this? Is there any major obstacle to this project that I'm not taking into consideration? If anyone has pics of the inside of their lower helm it would be great to see them. Thanks.

[km1125]

Make sure you get the "Y" in the wiring harnesses too, not just the ones that go to the helm.

On mine (3607) the throttle and shift cables were daisy-chained from the lower helm to the bridge, so you might want to get both sets of cables, the ones from the bridge to lower helm and the ones from lower helm to engines.

Is the boat you're getting them from being parted out? If so, after you finish your claims you should post the contact info in case other 3207 owners (or similar boats) need some parts.

[g36]

Are you committed to your idea of a lower helm? Have you had a boat with one? I've had 2 boats with lower helm stations and never used it. I know there will parts of the country and certain weather that it would be nice but they just took up inner space for me. I wish you luck with your project maybe post some pics along the way too.

[km1125]

QR_BBPOST Are you committed to your idea of a lower helm? Have you had a boat with one? I've had 2 boats with lower helm stations and never used it. I know there will parts of the country and certain weather that it would be nice but they just took up inner space for me. I wish you luck with your project maybe post some pics along the way too.

I'd have to agree with this. I had a dual station on my 3607 and thought it was a really cool thing to have, but only used it (I think) FOUR times in almost 30 years of ownership. You have much better visibility up on the bridge, and if you have a nice bridge enclosure you're protected from the elements. Two of the times that I used the lower station was when a storm came up quickly and I didn't have the time to put the enclosure up, so it was easier just to run from the lower station until the storm passed.

Now, if the opportunity to get a bunch of parts came up, I might grab them anyways as they could come in handy down the road!

[Viper]

I've had 3 boats with dual stations and never used the lowers once. It would be a fun project but wouldn't get much priority with me, I'd rather be boating or putting the time and money into something that really needs attention. You're likely in for a lot more work than you think. You'll also need to replace all the senders with dual station units.

You don't mention the model year, what type of steering do you have?

If you do decide to proceed, start a new retrofit thread and post updates with pics.

[bud37]

I have to agree, only reason to use the lower helm for me was to run engines when you were doing maintenance....other than that never. The space is better to have.

[tomschauer]

Unless you boat in very cold or extreme weather, no reason for the lower helm in my opinion.

[Dad Joke]

Thanks MK that's good to know.

Also, thanks to others who've commented, but this thread is not about flybridge vs lower helm. I started a thread about that some time ago and found that it's a matter of personal preference and is pretty equally divided. The majority of 3207's on Yachtworld have lower helms so it must have been a popular option. I don't have enough experience to say whether I'll need it but I'm getting it dirt cheap, and it may be a value added when it's time to sell.

Thanks again.

[g36]

I don't think anyone who posted was telling you one way or another about fly or lower helm installation. Was right or wrong. but pointing to the fact of whether you'll use it or not, at least I was. Like you said " I don't have enough experience to know whether it's need or not" should suggest to take note from those who have had experience and used it or not. I do t know your boat but I wouldn't think adding it no matter how cheap would do much for resale anyway. Again it's you boat and time. I think many would see other added items to be a better use of your time and money. Again if you do it you could post pics etc. In case others might attempt this addition. And good luck.

[Viper]

Ya definitely not poking at the idea, just pointing out pitfalls and our own personal experiences, it really is a personal preference. I wouldn't say though that it will be an added value for a future sale, in fact any room it takes away from usable living space and storage would likely be more detrimental these days.