The Open 402 Helm: Total Control, Visibility and Comfort

There is a moment when you settle into the helm of a boat and everything just makes sense. On the Open 402, that moment happens fast.

This is not a helm that feels crowded or overwhelming. It is a space designed around clarity, control and comfort. Everything you need is right in front of you, laid out in a way that feels natural whether you are making a long offshore run or easing into a tight dock.

It starts with visibility.

The redesigned console windshield gives you an additional 35 degrees of visibility, and you feel it immediately. You are not peeking around corners or adjusting your stance to see what is ahead. Whether you are running into a head sea or scanning the horizon for birds and activity, your view stays wide open and unobstructed.

From there, your eyes go straight to the screens.

Dual 27 inch Garmin 9227 displays dominate the helm, giving you more than enough space to manage everything happening on the boat. Charts, radar, sonar, engine data and system controls can all be displayed clearly without feeling cramped. You are not bouncing between pages or trying to squeeze information into smaller windows. Everything has room to breathe.

Above it all sits the Garmin 1543 widescreen display.

This is one of the most underrated features at the helm. It becomes the perfect place to keep critical information like engine data and gauges always visible while your primary screens focus on navigation and fishing. It keeps your eyes forward and your awareness high without cluttering the main displays.

But what really defines this helm is how everything works together.

With the Sportsman digital switching system, you have control of the entire boat at your fingertips. Lights, pumps and onboard systems are all accessible through a clean, intuitive interface. There is no searching for switches or second guessing where something is. It is all right there, organized and easy to use.

Controls extend beyond just systems.

The integrated bow thruster gives you added precision when maneuvering, especially in tight spaces or changing conditions. Pair that with the optional joystick control and the boat becomes incredibly responsive around the dock. What would normally require constant adjustments with throttles and wheel becomes smooth and controlled with minimal effort.

Everything else you expect at the helm is right where it should be.

Garmin Fusion audio puts full control of your sound system within reach. Garmin VHF radios are integrated cleanly into the layout, and dedicated mic box storage keeps things organized and out of the way. It is a setup that feels complete without feeling cluttered.

Then there is the seating.

Four captain’s chairs line the helm, giving both the captain and crew a place to ride comfortably. They are fully protected by the console, which makes a noticeable difference when running in tougher conditions or at higher speeds. Everyone stays secure, comfortable and engaged in the ride instead of bracing or shifting around.

That is what makes this helm stand out.

It is not just about the size of the displays or the number of features. It is about how everything comes together to create a space that feels easy to use, easy to understand and easy to trust.

Whether you are running offshore, navigating through traffic or setting up for a long day of fishing, the helm of the Open 402 gives you the confidence to focus on what matters instead of managing the boat.

And once you spend time behind it, it is hard to imagine running anything else.