A pilothouse yacht is designed to allow the crew to maintain a safe and effective watch without needing to be on deck. There must be all-round visibility from within the yacht's accommodation – this allows the crewmember to be able to keep watch comfortably whilst fully protected from the elements.[1]
Most pilothouse yachts have an inside steering position, but it is not essential as long as it takes only a few seconds to reach the cockpit. If there is no proper inside steering position, engine controls maybe located at the chart table, with an autopilot joystick instead of a wheel.[2]
A wheelhouse is a specific type of pilothouse which contains the vessel's main steering position.