Why is a boats steering wheel typically on the right?
The location of steering controls is largely a matter of preference and specific design of a vessel. For example, on my 42′ patrol ship the controls are on the left or port, possibly so the instruments and navigation equipment are more easily accessible on the right hand side of the operator, for more comfortable operation of controls on the radar, radios sounder and GPS recievers. Other than the steering controls the ship is a mirror image on either side, with twin engines, twin screw (left turning on starboard, right hand turning on port side), entrances, water tanks, fuel tanks, cleats and windows arranged in identical layout on each side. The only differences from side to side are minor things like the port engine charging a 12V system and PTO to bilge/fire pumps and the starboard running a 32V alternator. The ship is layed out symmetrically, but the entranceway to the forecastle located in the center of the steering house prevented the same design for the controls, necessitating t
