Everyone sits up at the flybridge, no one ever sits w me on the off center one (except the Moorings 460 which is kinda roomy). I can see and talk to anyone upfront on the trampoline. Most of my crew does not hang out in the cockpit - they want to be out where you can see things. But yes I do not like the hardtop - would be great if I lived on the boat or serious crossings etc - but for a week (after feet of snow and a Vit D def) I want to feel and see the weather and the world.