Using three boards is basically an alternative to having to write down all the info instead. I think a btter alternative and keeps the game much more playable. It helps if you have a third (neutral) person that can moderate between the three boards. This can also help keep encourage each player to keep game turns short.
Imperious Leader gives a good example of the three board play with his Jutland game. It’s under the “Other Axis and Allies Variants” section