BOAT HELM

Abstract

A boat helm assembly includes a right first helm member and a left second helm member. The right first helm member is manufactured via rotational molding. The right first helm member comprises a body member comprising a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edges to define an internal compartment that includes an aperture into which a steering shaft. The body member includes sidewalls, a top first wall, and a bottom second wall, the sidewalls include a front first sidewall with at least one kiss off joint transferring loads. The front first sidewall supports a steering apparatus and is substantially parallel to a forwardly oriented recess wall of the bottom second wall. The front first sidewall and the forwardly oriented recess wall are provided with aligned mounting apertures shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a wide variety of the steering assemblies.

Claims

1. A boat helm assembly, comprising: a first helm member manufactured via rotational molding and the first helm member comprises a body member comprising a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edges to define an internal compartment that includes an aperture into which a steering shaft is selectively positioned; the body member includes sidewalls, a top first wall, and a bottom second wall, the sidewalls include a front first sidewall with at least one kiss off joint transferring loads; the front first sidewall supports a steering apparatus and is substantially parallel to a forwardly oriented recess wall of the bottom second wall; the front first sidewall and the forwardly oriented recess wall are provided with aligned mounting apertures shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a wide variety of the steering assemblies.

2. The helm according to claim 1, wherein the first helm member is shaped and dimensioned for supporting various displays and control systems.

3. The helm according to claim 1, wherein the mounting apertures are symmetrical and include irregular boundaries comprised of a plurality of keying structures shaped and dimensioned to receive and support various steering assemblies.

4. The helm according to claim 1, wherein the mounting apertures are connected by a mounting aperture wall extending between the front first sidewall and the forwardly oriented recess wall which incorporates a metal plate defining the edges of the mounting aperture.

5. The helm according to claim 1, further including a kiss off joint between the top first wall and the external bottom second wall.

6. The helm according to claim 1, wherein at least one kiss off joint extends between the front first sidewall and a forwardly oriented recess wall in an area where the forwardly oriented recess wall is parallel to the front first sidewall.

7. The helm according to claim 1, wherein stability of the front first sidewall is enhanced by the provision of a recessed section in the bottom second wall.

8. The helm according to claim 7, wherein the recessed section includes a rearwardly oriented recess wall, a first laterally oriented recess wall, a second laterally oriented recess wall substantially parallel to the first laterally oriented recess wall, and a forwardly oriented recess wall that is opposed to the rearwardly oriented recess wall and is substantially parallel to the front first sidewall.

9. The helm according to claim 8, wherein the portion of the front first sidewall in combination with the forwardly oriented recess wall, which is parallel thereto, define the steering support assembly.

10. The helm according to claim 1, wherein a number of kiss off joints extend between the front first sidewall and the forwardly oriented recess wall in the area where the forwardly oriented recess wall is parallel to the front first sidewall.

11. The helm according to claim 1, further including a second helm member that includes a unitary molded body member for supporting functional elements of the boat and for protecting and supporting articles stored therein.

12. The helm according to claim 11, wherein the body member includes external sidewalls, an external upper first wall, and an external bottom second wall.

13. The helm according to claim 11, wherein control elements are mounted upon the front first sidewall and a display mount extends upwardly from the upper first wall.

14. The helm according to claim 11, wherein the display mount includes a front facing wall and a rear facing wall connected at the apex of the display mount.

15. The helm according to claim 1, further including a second helm member.

16. The helm according to claim 15, wherein the second helm member is manufactured via rotational molding and the second helm member comprises a body member comprising a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edges to define an internal compartment.

17. The helm according to claim 15, wherein the second helm member is shaped and dimensioned for supporting various displays and control systems.

18. The helm according to claim 15, further including a number of kiss off joints enhancing structural stability.

19. The helm according to claim 15, wherein the body member includes external sidewalls, an external upper first wall, and an external bottom second wall.

20. The helm according to claim 15, wherein control elements are mounted upon the front first sidewall and a display mount extends upwardly from the upper first wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures with like reference numbers indicating like elements.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat including the boat helm assembly.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the boat helm assembly separate and apart from the boat.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the right first helm member with a steering assembly attached thereto.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the left second helm member figure (without the steering aperture).

[0028] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the right first helm member.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the right first helm member.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the right first helm member.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view, opposite that shown in FIG. 7, of the right first helm member.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the right first helm member.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the right first helm member.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line 12-12 in FIG. 9.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the steering aperture.

[0037] FIG. 13A is a detailed perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the steering aperture.

[0038] FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the left second helm member.

[0039] FIG. 15 is a rear elevation view of the left second helm member.

[0040] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the left second helm member.

[0041] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view, opposite the view shown in FIG. 16, of the left second helm member.

[0042] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the left second helm member.

[0043] FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 disclose various steering assemblies that may be used with the present boat helm assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or contexts including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.

[0045] Referring to the various figures, a boat helm assembly 100, for example, as is commonly used with fishing boats, is disclosed. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the boat helm assembly 100 includes a right first helm member 102 and a left second helm member 104. The right first helm member 102 and the left second helm member 104 integrate multiple structural features and manufacturing techniques that result in an improved boat helm assembly 100.

[0046] The right first helm member 102 is manufactured via rotational molding and includes at least one kiss off joint 109 created during the rotational molding process. The right first helm member 102 comprises a body member 106 comprising a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edges to define an internal compartment that includes an aperture in which a steering shaft is positioned. The body member 106 includes sidewalls, a top first wall 118 and a bottom second wall 120. The sidewalls include a front first sidewall 110 with at least one kiss off joint 109 transferring loads. The front first sidewall 110 supports a steering apparatus 14 and is substantially parallel to a forwardly oriented recess wall 130 of the bottom second wall 120. At least one kiss off joint 109 extends between the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 in an area where the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 is parallel to the front first sidewall 110. The front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 are provided with aligned mounting apertures 108a, 108b shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a wide variety of steering apparatuses.

[0047] The boat helm assembly 100 forms part of boat 10 as disclosed with reference to FIG. 1. The boat 10 includes a hull 12, a motor, and a steering apparatus 14 supported by the boat helm assembly 100 (forming the steering helm assembly 16). The steering apparatus 14 is of a conventional construction and includes a steering wheel 18, steering shaft 20, and a control unit (not shown).

[0048] As briefly mentioned above, the steering helm assembly 16 includes the right first helm member 102, a steering shaft 20 inserted in the right first helm member 102 (as discussed below in detail), and a steering wheel 18, as well as other components commonly employed in conjunction with a steering apparatus of a boat.

[0049] As will be discussed below in more detail, the right first helm member 102 comprises the helm body member 106. The helm body member 106 includes apertures 108a, 108b into which the steering shaft 20 is inserted. As the steering shaft 20 is of a conventional construction, it is rotatably supported by bearing members and can be rotated in a first direction and second direction about an axis thereof. A seal member is provided between the steering shaft 20 and an inner peripheral surface of the apertures 108a, 108b when the steering apparatus 14 is mounted to the right first helm member 102.

[0050] One of the end portions of the steering shaft 20 is projected outward from the right first helm member 102. A fitting portion is formed on this end portion of the steering shaft 20, and the steering wheel 18 is secured to the fitting portion. The other end portion of the steering shaft 20 is positioned inside the boat helm assembly 100, in particular the right first helm member 102, and is attached to the steering system as is known in the art.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the right first helm member 102 is secured to a helm mounting wall 26, which is a part of the hull 12, by means of a mounting bolt and a nut. While coupling is achieved using a mounting bolt and nut in accordance with a disclosed embodiment, other coupling mechanisms may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] The right first helm member 102 is manufactured via rotational molding. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, rotational molding utilizes a hollow mold that is filled with powdered plastic resin. The mold is rotated in a bi-axial manner while positioned within an oven. As the mold rotates within the oven, the resin melts and coats the walls of the mold. Once all of the resin has been melted and integrated into the walls of the mold, the mold is cooled until the resin hardens into the desired shape. Kiss off joints, or fusion joints (which are discussed below in greater detail) are created during the rotation molding process using techniques well known to those skilled in the art. The utilization of kiss off joints enhances the strength of the right first helm member 102 and the left second helm member 104, and the kiss off joints are especially important in the construction of the front first sidewall 110 of the right first helm member 102 so that it is sufficiently strong to support the steering apparatus 14 mounted thereto.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 13, the right first helm member 102 is shaped and dimensioned for supporting both the steering apparatus 14 and for supporting various displays and control systems that may be used in conjunction with the boat 10. The right first helm member 102 provides for strength and rigidity, while simultaneously minimizing weight and expense.

[0054] The right first helm member 102 generally includes a rotationally molded, unitary molded body member 106 for supporting functional elements of the boat 10 and for protecting and supporting articles stored therein. The body member 106 is composed of a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edges to define an internal compartment 107.

[0055] The body member 106 generally includes four external sidewalls 110, 112, 114, 116, an external top first wall 118, and an external bottom second wall 120. The four sidewalls include an external front first sidewall 110, an external rear second sidewall 112, an external left-side third sidewall 114, and an external right-side fourth sidewall 116. The sidewalls 110, 112, 114, 116 are held together along molded edges connecting members of the various walls and sidewalls.

[0056] Stability of the right first helm member 102 is enhanced by constructing the walls of the body member 106 with kiss off joints 109 transferring loads from one wall to another (see, for example, FIGS. 11 and 12). In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, and as will be discussed below in greater detail, kiss off joints are positioned between the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 of the bottom second wall 120 (see FIG. 12). Another example of a kiss off joint is shown in FIG. 11 where a kiss off joint 109 connects the top first wall 118 and the external bottom second wall 120.

[0057] The front first sidewall 110 supports the steering apparatus 14. As briefly mentioned above, the front first sidewall 110 is coupled to the top first wall 118, bottom second wall 120, left side third sidewall 114, and right side fourth sidewall 116 at the first end of the body member 106.

[0058] The stability of the front first sidewall 110 is enhanced by the provision of a recessed section 122 in the bottom second wall 120. The recessed section 122 includes a rearwardly oriented recess wall 124, a first laterally oriented recess wall 126, a second laterally oriented recess wall 128 substantially parallel to the first laterally oriented recess wall 126, and a forwardly oriented recess wall 130 that is opposed to the rearwardly oriented recess wall 124 and is substantially parallel to the front first sidewall 110. The portion of the front first sidewall 110 in combination with the forwardly oriented recess wall 130, which is parallel thereto, define the steering support assembly 132. In particular, the steering support assembly 132 is defined by that portion of the front first sidewall 110 where the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 is parallel thereto, the forwardly oriented recess wall 130, that portion of the top first wall 118 where the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 is transverse thereto, and that portion of the bottom second wall 120 connecting the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 to the front first sidewall 110. As shown with reference to FIG. 12, a number of kiss off joints extend between the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 in the area where the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 is parallel to the front first sidewall 110.

[0059] Control elements may be mounted upon the front first sidewall 110. Considering first mounting of the steering apparatus 14 within the front first sidewall 110, the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 are provided with aligned mounting apertures 108a, 108b shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a wide variety of steering assemblies. The mounting apertures 108a, 108b are connected by a mounting aperture wall 134 extending between the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130; the mounting apertures 108a, 108b and the mounting aperture wall 134 define the aperture the which the steering apparatus 14 is passed during assembly of the boat. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 13, the mounting apertures 108a, 108b and the mounting aperture wall 134 extending between the mounting apertures 108a, 108b are symmetrical but include irregular boundaries comprised of a plurality of keying structures shaped and dimensioned to receive and support various steering assemblies.

[0060] The mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110, the mounting aperture wall 134, and the mounting aperture 108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 are of similar shapes. Beginning at the top of the mounting apertures 108a, 108b and the mounting aperture wall 134, at approximately 12 o'clock, the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110 and the mounting aperture 108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 include first U-shaped recesses 136, 140, while the mounting aperture wall 134, at approximately 12 o'clock, includes a first U-shaped wall 138.

[0061] As mentioned above, the mounting apertures 108a, 108b are symmetrical, in particular about a vertical bisecting axis, and the configuration along the right side of the mounting apertures 108a, 108b of the front first sidewall 110 (that is the side of the aperture closest to the right-side second sidewall) is described below with an understanding the left side of the mounting apertures 108a, 108b of the front first sidewall 110 is a mirror image thereof.

[0062] Moving counterclockwise from the U-shaped recess 136, the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110 and the mounting aperture 108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 include horizontal edges 146, 154 the lead to vertical edges 148, 158 that lead to arcuate surfaces 150, 162, while the mounting aperture wall 134 includes a similar horizontal edge 152, a vertical edge 156, and an arcuate surface 160.

[0063] The arcuate surfaces 150, 162 of the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110 and the mounting aperture 108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 transition into a second U-shaped recess 164, 168 that is positioned at approximately 3 o'clock relative to the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110, while the mounting aperture wall 134, at approximately 3 o'clock, includes a second U-shaped wall 166.

[0064] Adjacent to the second U-shaped recesses 164, 168 of the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110 and the mounting aperture 108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 are third U-shaped recesses 172, 182 that leads to arcuate surfaces 174, 175 followed by fourth U-shaped recesses 176, 184. Similarly, the mounting aperture wall 134, at approximately the same position, includes third and fourth U-shaped walls 178, 180.

[0065] Finally, horizontally flat surfaces 192, 198 lead to fifth U-shaped recesses 194, 199 of the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110 and the mounting aperture 108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 that are positioned at 6 o'clock about the mounting aperture 108a of the front first sidewall 110. The mounting aperture wall 134, at approximately 6 o'clock, includes a fifth U-shaped wall 200.

[0066] Along the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130, and adjacent to the mounting apertures 108a, 108b of the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130, four mounting holes 208a-d are symmetrically positioned at 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees relative to the circumferences of the mounting aperture 108.

[0067] As briefly discussed above, kiss off joints are used in creating robust strength. This is especially evident in the construction of the steering support assembly 132. For example, kiss off joints 109 extend between the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 and the front first sidewall 110 in the area of the mounting apertures 108a, 108b of the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 wherein both the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 include inwardly extending joint members that meet at a central location to define four kiss off joints 109. Further, the mounting aperture wall 134, which extends between the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130, provides support to the steering support assembly 132.

[0068] In accordance with an alternate embodiment as disclosed with reference to FIG. 13A, the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b are connected by a mounting aperture wall 1134 extending between the front first sidewall 1110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130, which incorporates a metal plate 1109 defining the edges of the mounting aperture 1108b. The mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b and the mounting aperture wall 1134 define the aperture through which the steering apparatus 14 is passed during assembly of the boat. The mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b and the mounting aperture wall 1134 extending between the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b are symmetrical but include irregular boundaries comprised of a plurality of keying structures shaped and dimensioned to receive and support various steering assemblies.

[0069] The mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110 and the mounting aperture wall 1134 are of similar shapes, while the mounting aperture 1108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 is of a slightly different shape such that flat support surfaces are positioned at the junction of the mounting aperture wall 1134 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130. Beginning at the top of the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b and the mounting aperture wall 1134, at approximately 12 o'clock, the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110 includes a first U-shaped recess 1136. Similarly, the mounting aperture wall 1134, at approximately 12 o'clock, includes a first U-shaped wall 1138. The mounting aperture 1108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 includes horizontal edge 1140 such that a portion of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 is exposed at the junction of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 and the mounting aperture wall 1134. A screw hole 1142 is formed in the exposed portion 1144 of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130.

[0070] As mentioned above, the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b are symmetrical, in particular about a vertical bisecting axis, and the configuration along the right side of the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b of the front first sidewall 1110 (that is the side of the aperture closest to the right-side second sidewall) is described below with an understanding the left side of the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b of the front first sidewall 1110 is a mirror image thereof.

[0071] Moving counterclockwise from the U-shaped recess 1136, the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110 includes a horizontal edge 1146 that leads to a vertical edge 1148 that leads to an arcuate surface 1150. Similarly, the mounting aperture wall 1134 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 include similar horizontal edges 1152, 1154, vertical edges 1156, 1158, and arcuate surfaces 1160, 1162, although the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 extends slightly further inwardly of the junction of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 and the mounting aperture wall 1134 to define a slight ledge.

[0072] The arcuate surface 1150 of the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110 transitions into a second U-shaped recess 1164 that is positioned at approximately 3 o'clock relative to the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110. Similarly, the mounting aperture wall 1134, at approximately 3 o'clock, includes a second U-shaped wall 1166. The mounting aperture 1108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 includes an arcuate edge 1168 such that a portion of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 is exposed at the junction of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 and the mounting aperture wall 1134. A screw hole 1170 is formed in the exposed portion of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130.

[0073] Adjacent to the second U-shaped recess 1164 of the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110 is a third U-shaped recess 1172 that leads to an arcuate surface 1174 followed by a fourth U-shaped recess 1176. Similarly, the mounting aperture wall 1134, at approximately the same position, includes third and fourth U-shaped walls 1178, 1180. The mounting aperture 1108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 includes an arcuate edge 1182 such that a portion of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 is exposed at the junction of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 and the mounting aperture wall 1134. Screw holes 1184, 1186 are formed in the exposed portions 1188, 1190 of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130.

[0074] Finally, a horizontally flat surface 1192 leads to a fifth U-shaped recess 1194 of the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110 that is positioned at 6 o'clock about the mounting aperture 1108a of the front first sidewall 1110. Similarly, the mounting aperture wall 1134 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 include similar horizontal flat surfaces 1196, 1198, although the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 extends slightly further inwardly of the junction of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 and the mounting aperture wall 1134 to define a slight ledge.

[0075] The mounting aperture wall 1134, at approximately 6 o'clock, includes a fifth U-shaped wall 1200. The mounting aperture 1108b of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 includes an arcuate edge 1202 such that a portion of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 is exposed at the junction of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130 and the mounting aperture wall 1134. A screw hole 1204 is formed in the exposed portion 1206 of the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130.

[0076] Along the front first sidewall 1110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130, and adjacent to the mounting apertures 1108a, 1108b of the front first sidewall 1110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 1130, four mounting holes 1208a-d are symmetrically positioned about the aperture at 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees relative to the circumference of the mounting aperture 1108.

[0077] As briefly discussed above, kiss off joints are used in creating robust strength. This is especially evident in the construction of the steering support assembly 132. For example, kiss off joints 109 extend between the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 and the front first sidewall 110 in the area of the mounting apertures 108a, 108b of the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 wherein both the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130 include inwardly extending joint members that meet at a central location to define four kiss off joints 109. Further, the mounting aperture wall 134, which extends between the front first sidewall 110 and the forwardly oriented recess wall 130, provides support to the steering support assembly 132.

[0078] Considering the added stability and the variety of shapes and apertures formed in the construction of the steering support assembly 132, and as briefly discussed above, the steering support assembly 132 is adapted for use with a variety of commonly available steering constructions. For example, and with reference to FIG. 19, one can see how securing bolts could pass through various holes, for the secure attachment of this steering apparatus 14 with the steering support assembly 132 of the present invention.

[0079] Another steering assembly is disclosed with reference to FIG. 20, and this steering apparatus 14 utilizes a supporting plate 30 that is secured to the steering support assembly 132. The steering apparatus 14 is then secured to the support plate in a manner resulting in a robust strong construction. Still further, and with reference to FIG. 21, another steering apparatus 14 is disclosed that would attach the steering support assembly 132 with bolts passing through various holes for the secure attachment of this steering apparatus 14 with the steering support assembly 132 of the present invention.

[0080] While the construction of the steering support assembly 132 is of great importance in consideration of the forces to which it is subjected, other portions of the body member 106 are provided with kiss off joints enhancing the strength and stability of the body member 106. For example, the bottom second wall 120 is provided with a number of inwardly extending structural elements that meet with similarly inwardly directed structural elements extending from the top first wall 118 so as to create added stability in the construction of the body member 106.

[0081] As mentioned above, the right first helm member 102 described above provides boat manufacturers with a convenient, lightweight, and high strength helm. In addition, and as discussed above, the aperture of the boat helm is shaped and dimensioned for use with a variety of steering wheel variants. The front first sidewall 110 is shaped and dimensioned to receive and secure thereto a steering wheel using the holes and flanges formed about the aperture in the front first sidewall 110. The holes and flanges are designed to match known patterns used on the steering apparatuses mounted to the boat helm. While specific standard mounting hole patterns are contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention, custom mounting arrangements may be employed as needed.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, the left second helm member 104 generally includes a unitary molded body member 306 for supporting functional elements of the boat 10 and for protecting and supporting articles stored therein. The body member 306 is composed of a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edges to define an internal compartment 307.

[0083] The body member 306 generally includes four external sidewalls 310, 312, 314, 316, an external upper first wall 318, and an external bottom second wall 320. The four sidewalls include an external front first sidewall 310, an external rear second sidewall 312, an external left-side third sidewall 314, and an external right-side fourth sidewall 316. The sidewalls 310, 312, 314, 316 are held together along molded edges connecting members of the various walls and sidewalls. The front first sidewall 310 is coupled to the upper first wall 318, bottom second wall 320, left side third sidewall 314, and right side fourth sidewall 316 at the first end of the body member 306. As with the body member 106 of the right first helm member 102, stability of the left second helm member 104 is enhanced by constructing the walls with kiss off joints transferring loads from one wall to another.

[0084] Control elements may be mounted upon the front first sidewall 310 and the display mount 321 extending upwardly from the upper first wall 318. As briefly mentioned above, the body member 306 includes an internal support structure supporting articles that may be positioned within the body member 306. The left second helm member 104 provides boat manufacturers with a convenient, lightweight, and high strength helm.

[0085] As to the display mount 321 briefly discussed above, it includes a front facing wall 342 and a rear facing wall 344 connected at the apex 346 of the display mount 321. As such, an upper edge 348 of the front facing wall 342 is connected to and shares structure with an upper edge 350 of the rear facing wall 344. Each of the lower edges 352, 354 of the front facing wall 342 and the rear facing wall 344 are secured to surfaces of the upper first wall 318. The display mount 321 further includes lateral walls 356, 358 that extend between the front facing wall 342 and the rear facing wall 344.

[0086] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to comprise the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0087] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to comprise any disclosed structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, this disclosure comprises possible combinations of the various elements and features disclosed herein, and the particular elements and features presented in the claims and disclosed above may be combined with each other in other ways within the scope of the application, such that the application should be recognized as also directed to other embodiments comprising other possible combinations. The aspects of the disclosure herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0088] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.