Common Features
While the features listed here may not define a Jersey Design Boat, most models will have a number of these features offered as standard or optional features. These features often developed over time and some can be found only on later models.
We've talked about the flybridge controls, which were added to the original in-cabin helm station. Until the mid 1980s dual controls were common with a full control station in the front of the cabin. These lower stations were eventually omitted as less popular, as a cost saving, and to make room for other cabin features. With the demise of the inside controls, a windshield was no longer necessary and that was dropped as well, in favor of a solid fiberglass cabin-front , improving a number of things. The big justification was that it avoided a potential water intrusion and even sinking caused by a major wave across the bow. Remember, these are offshore fishing boats. But it also expanded the interior designer's options without having to deal with a window. And it reduced cabin heat by eliminating direct sunlight.
Air conditioning also became common, often along with heating capability. Tinted cabin windows, new designs with limited opening capabilities, as well as the solid cabin-front, reduced water leakage and damage, and sealed the cabin further for air conditioning.
The original open flybridge designs, perhaps with canvas biminis, gave way to hard fiberglass tops and full plastic and canvas enclosures. This helped in the expansion of electronics as more electronics could be added at the flybridge, and antennae, including radar could be added atop the hard fiberglass tops. More recently, permanently enclosed flybridges have provided air-conditioned cruising with traditional indoor seating, refridgerators and music.
Storage space for caught fish was increased with in-deck compartments popular for just this purpose.These are insulated and large. Cockpit ice boxes and bait prep areas grew larger.
Entertainment electronics became popular starting in the late 1980s with TVs, stereo, VCR tapes and later DVDs and MP3s. The electronics of the 21st century continue the entertainment push, which has now extended to the forward cabin so we can watch a movie or TV in bed, which thanks to satellites, can be done almost anywhere.