One wheel or two?

[Nick2]

Been looking at a number of 38 - 40 ft sailing yachts some with one wheel and some with two.

I am not quite sure of the plusses and minuses of each system and would be grateful of some advice please.

Thanks

Nick

 

[Robin]

Twin wheels look sexy don't they? They allow you to steer from one side like the downhill side to watch genoa telltales or the uphill side to see where you are going. Coming into a berth you can steer from the pontoon side fot a better view. They also allow easy access to/from the swim platform gate for boarding.

The downside is extra friction in the steering system and probably the engine controls are on one side only, so you need to sprint across the cockpit to go astern if using the other wheel to go into a berth!

We have a large 48" diameter single wheel which in our cockpit allows the helm to sit on either side comfortably and steer, as well as being comfortable when standing. On balance I think I would prefer what we have but could live almost as happily with twin wheels IF there was an engine control at each.

 

[Skyva_2]

Hi Nick,

I have looked at the same equation:

One wheel - simpler, instruments likely to be on the binnacle in front of you.
Less easy access from the stern round the wheel. Less visibility of the foresail.

Two wheels - easy access - walkthrough from stern; you are standing up to windward when beating - or down to leeward - as you choose. Instruments likely to be sited at the side of you. Coming alongside may be easier - assuming two engine controls.

I am sure there may be other factors and you may know more yourself. At 40 ft I think there is a decision to be made. Less than 40 ft it's probably not necesssary.

 

[savageseadog]

I thought boats didn't need wheels.

 

[powerskipper]

Nick go for the 2 wheel one, then you could have a his and her side /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Blueboatman]

Two wheels-would that be a wind up then ? Bit chav and bling for me old Luddite ere's taste..

 

[Lakesailor]

Won't two get in the way of the tiller?

 

[ShipsWoofy]

On a small boat they look like a clothes mangle!

 

[Norman_E]

[ QUOTE ]
Won't two get in the way of the tiller?

[/ QUOTE ]

One wheel will. I tried the fitting the emergency tiller on one single wheel boat. It had to be fitted facing aft as the wheel (and the stand if you removed the wheel) got in the way if you fitted it forward facing. With twin wheels there is at least a chance that the emergency tiller can be used without having to steer from the swimming platform.

 

[doris]

Get two wheels then it's only a small step to four, then a 4 x 4 and then you can use the boat for the school run. All probs solved!!

 

[twisterkai]

2 wheels on anything less than about 60' is a bit naff really. It all seems a bit 'boy racer' and 'chav' as was so eloquently put earlier.

 

[cliff]

Agreed - Why a wheel at all - what is wrong with a tiller?
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[snowleopard]

If you have two, the argument for a monster wheel that can be reached from both sides of the boat is gone and they can be quite small. The ability to move around the cockpit without climbing is useful and a great safety bonus.

The trouble is, as Robin said "Twin wheels look sexy don't they?" so manufacturers like to fit two big ones as some sort of virility statement! When I see these monsters that have to have slots in the cockpit floor I wonder if the fashion will go on until we all look like this

 

[Lakesailor]

I have enough trouble cutting my toenails with 2 feet. Buggered if I'm putting myself down for 4.