Wheelhouse Boats: A Complete Guide

As a leading boat manufacturer, we specialise in crafting and supplying luxury wheelhouse boats across Europe, Asia and North America. But what is a wheelhouse boat and why should you consider buying one? In this complete guide to wheelhouse boats, we explore what they are, their advantages and the key considerations when buying one. We also showcase the luxury wheelhouse boats we offer at Nord Star.

What is a Wheelhouse Boat?

A wheelhouse boat is a boat with an enclosed cabin that houses the steering wheel and navigation controls. The wheelhouse itself refers to the boat’s steering cabin where the captain controls the vessel while protected from the elements such as wind and rain.

Ranging from luxury personal boats to commercial vessels, the wheelhouse boat is a popular choice among those interested in a recreational boat and commercial operation and they have a rich and vast history.

A Brief History of Wheelhouse Boats

Late 19th & Early 20th Century Workboats

Wheelhouse boats have their origins in the commercial vessels of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The likes of fishing boats and harbour workboats needed a protected area where the captain could safely navigate in challenging weather.

Early wheelhouses were simple timber structures built around the helm of the boat, providing shelter from wind, rain and rough seas while improving visibility. Used primarily for utilitarian purposes, they allowed crew members to operate more comfortably throughout the year.

The Rise of Recreational Boating

The 1960s and 1970s saw manufacturers, including us at Nord Star, adapt the practical design of wheelhouse boats for leisure use. Enclosed helm stations, comfortable cabins and versatile deck layouts appealed to families, anglers and cruising enthusiasts who wanted boats capable of handling a wide range of weather conditions.

Modern, Premium Wheelhouse Boats

Today, manufacturers such as us here at Nord Star have helped establish the premium end of the wheelhouse boat market by combining offshore performance with luxurious accommodation and meticulous craftsmanship.

Our modern wheelhouse boats are available in a wide variety of sizes and layouts, but they all remain true to the same core principles that inspired their early predecessors: protecting those on board from the elements while providing excellent visibility, practical living space and the confidence to enjoy boating in a wide range of conditions.

What are Wheelhouse Boats Used For?

Wheelhouse boats are used for both recreational and commercial sailing, including vacation and weekend cruising, fishing, all-weather boating, commuting and commercial transportation.

Vacations and Cruising

Many wheelhouse boats, including those we offer here at Nord Star, are ideal for cruising and vacations. All of our boats offer luxury wheelhouses for comfort as well as saloons for socialising. Our boats also have kitchen areas, cabins, toilets and sizable decks, making them ideal recreational boats. 

Coastal Cruising

Nord Star wheelhouse boats are very well-suited for coastal cruising because of their weather protection, panoramic visibility and luxurious comfort. If you’re looking to enjoy coastal cruises, a wheelhouse boat is an ideal choice. 

All-Weather & Year-Round Boating

As previously mentioned, wheelhouse boats offer excellent protection from the elements, which makes them ideal for all-weather boating and cruising during any season. As such, many wheelhouse owners use them for these very reasons.

Fishing

Wheelhouse boats are widely used for fishing and angling. The wheelhouse of the boat offers protection for fishing equipment and crew from wind and rain when required. The spacious decks of Nord Star wheelhouse boats make for exceptional spaces to fish from.

Photography

Wheelhouse boats are a great choice for keen photographers. They’re exceptionally well-suited to coastal and sea sailing while also facilitating access to scenic offshore locations. They also offer panoramic views for taking beautiful photographs of sea and land.

Commuting & Island Hopping

Wheelhouse boats are ideal for commuting from place to place, whether for work or for pleasure. Wheelhouse boats are often used for “island hopping”, i.e., travelling from one island to others in a region.

Commercial Transportation

Some wheelhouse boats are used for commercial transport purposes. Commercial applications include fishing, harbour support, personnel transfer, patrol and enforcement. In these cases, businesses and people need a boat that can operate in all elements and provide enough space for passengers, and wheelhouse boats are an ideal solution.

Common Features of a Wheelhouse Boat

While every layout of every wheelhouse boat in the Nord Star range differs, you can expect these features in all of our boats:

• Fully-enclosed wheelhouses

• Spacious cockpits

• Large panoramic windows

• Spacious decks

• Walkaround side decks

• Offshore-focused hull designs

• Premium interiors

• Luxurious saloons

• Comfortable, elegant accommodation

• Well-equipped galleys

• Separate toilets and bathrooms

• Spacious storage areas

• Practical safety features

The Advantages of Buying a Wheelhouse Boat

Buying a wheelhouse boat with Nord Star offers many advantages, including:

• All-weather use

• Year-round boating

• Dry, luxurious and comfortable spaces for crew and equipment

• Elevated helms for clear lines of sight while sailing

• Secure control of your vessel

• Secure cabin spaces for storage 

• Consolidated, advanced electronics

Can I Sleep on a Wheelhouse Boat?

Yes, you can absolutely sleep on a wheelhouse boat. Every boat in the Nord Star range includes at least one sleeping cabin and is designed to provide comfort and space for overnight use.

How Much Does a Wheelhouse Boat Cost?

The cost of a wheelhouse boat varies dramatically depending on the likes of the model, the manufacturer and whether it is new or used. An entry-level cost wheelhouse boat will generally cost between £20,000 and £60,0000. Mid-range wheelhouse boats can cost approximately from £60,000 up to £200,000. Premium wheelhouse boats can cost anywhere from £200,000 to £800,000 and up.

As well as the boat itself, other cost considerations include maintenance costs, marine fees, insurance and fuel costs.

Wheelhouse Boat Maintenance

If you’re looking to buy a wheelhouse boat, it is important to consider the maintenance required. Necessary maintenance for wheelhouse boats includes:

• Hull cleaning

• Engine servicing

• Window cleaning and maintenance

• Windscreen wiper maintenance

• Heating system inspections and servicing

• Bilge pump maintenance

• Antifouling (i.e. protecting the underwater parts of the boat from marine growth)

• Winterisation (i.e. preparing the boat for winter)

Wheelhouse Boats in the Nord Star Range

All Nord Star boats are certified to category B offshore rating. 

26+

The Nord Star 26+ is ideal for everyday boating and fishing trips, even in the roughest weather. It boasts a large walkaround deck and a spacious saloon accommodating up to six people. It also features a kitchenette, a separate toilet, a bathing platform and a two-person sleeping cabin.

28+

The Nord Star 28+ is a luxurious and liveable wheelhouse boat featuring a walk-around deck, two double cabins, a saloon with seating for seven, as well as a modern galley area and bathroom.

31+

The Nord Star 31+ offers spacious accommodation combined with excellent offshore capabilities. It boasts a spacious open-plan saloon, a fully-equipped galley, two luxurious cabins, and a large toilet and shower. The extensive deck space houses seating and a large swim platform.

33+

The Nord Star 33+ houses a deluxe walk-through lounge diner, two large cabins, a spacious kitchenette, an elegant shower room and separate toilet along with a spacious aft deck ideal for practical and luxurious boating enjoyment.

36+

The Nord Star 36+ provides stunning 360-degree sea views from the saloon, two separate cabins, a contemporary kitchenette, a toilet and shower cubicle, and ample storage space. The spacious aft deck has a fixed sofa, and the boat is available with a flybridge option for further deck space.

42+

The Nord Star 42+ delivers exceptional comfort at sea with two separate cabins, each with their own toilets and showers, and extensive storage. It also houses a spacious, contemporary kitchen and sumptuous lounge area. The aft deck is spacious with seating and a removable table and connects to the walkaround deck for unobstructed movement around the boat.

The NS42+ also comes with a flybridge option for further entertaining and socialising space. 

49+

The Nord Star 49+ is the largest serial production boat in its class, boasting exceptional piloting comfort, luxurious living and uncompromising performance and durability.

The layout includes three spacious cabins, a two-level saloon, a kitchenette, a spacious walkaround deck and a flybridge. The NS49+ can be customised to your requirements, including the option of additional sleeping and storage space. Even the flybridge can be designed according to your preferences.

A wheelhouse boat is an ideal choice for luxury recreational boating, including coastal cruising and sailing at sea. Built for the open water and the weather that comes with it, these boats pair the thrill of life at sea with the comforts that make you want to stay out longer. For more information on the wheelhouse boats we offer here at Nord Star, please get in touch or view our range.