Walkaround vs Pilothouse

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Pilothouse
Parker builds the archetypal PH fishing boat. Its no-nonsense approach to this genre is captured in the 2820 XLD Sport Cabin.

1. Ventilation
For fresh air on a sultry day, open all of the cabin windows and the cabin door, as well as the hatch above the V-berth. But you still won’t get the same volume of air as with a WA.

2. Communication
It’s quiet on the bridge deck, and so no shouting is needed while under way. Yet it can be tough for the captain to hear anglers in the cockpit, or dock hands. An aft-facing hailer hooked to the VHF PA system is a good idea.

3. Bridge Protection
No layout beats a PH for keeping the bridge deck dry and warm. Shut the cabin door to keep cold air and mist at bay.

4. Visibility
There’s no peering over the windshield. And many PH cabins have supports that prevent a 360-degree view. Also, at night, the tinted glass can hamper visibility, but if the weather’s decent, prop open the forward windows to see more clearly.

5. Overnighting
The 2820’s enclosed V-berth will sleep two, and the toilet is under the bunks. A galley with a cabinet sink, refrigerator and stove is an option. Many PH models have a step-down bridge deck (for more headroom), and this often precludes space for a midcabin berth.

6. Shedding Seas
Most PH boats have domed decks forward, which are excellent at shedding seas. Side decks are relatively flush with the sheer line to divert water overboard. 

7. Forward Access
To get to the bow, you need to negotiate narrow side decks. It’s a challenge, particularly if working a fish or manning the anchor in rough conditions.

8. Cockpit Size
What the 2820 lacks in overnight comforts it makes up for in cockpit size. Thanks to its cab-forward design and outboard bracket, there are 82.5 square feet of wide-open deck, room for a boatload of anglers.

9. Antennas
The hardtop of a PH is ideal for mounting GPS, VHF and radar antennas, as well as a hailer, outriggers and a rod rack. Some boaters also mount an emergency life raft container atop the house.

10. Trailerability
PH boats are ready for the road. Plus, you can stow loose gear in the cabin. But bridge clearance is higher than in a WA with a folding Bimini.

Overall
If you’re looking for a fishing boat with a dry, warm bridge deck, the ability to quickly shed water in rough seas and minimal prep time for towing, a PH might be right in your comfort zone.

Parker 2820 XLD
Length: 28'0" (excl. bracket)
Beam: 9'6"
Draft: 1'6"
Displ. (no power): 6,400 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 21 degrees
Bridge Clearance: 8'2"
Max Cabin Headroom: 6'3"
Fuel Capacity: 250 gal.
Horsepower: 600
Base Price: $134,495* w/twin Yamaha 250s

Splitting the Difference
Ok, so you’re a center-console guy but like the idea of a weathertight helm enclosure. Check out Everglades’ 295 Pilot with a cozy house to keep you dry while under way.

Sister Ships: Scroll through our gallery for a few examples of companies that make both walkaround and pilothouse models based on the same bottom.