steering wheel size

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cdogg

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Has anyone changed their steering wheel (smaller). I would like to be able to squeeze past the wheel without having to climb up over the cockpit seats. This would make stern-to boarding/loading etc. much easier. I realise any new wheel would have to suit the auto-helm wheel fittings.

Yacht Bavaria 30
 
I thought of doing this when I replaced the (stiff) cable steering with a hydraulic system but was too mean to spend the cash on a new wheel. It does seem daft to steer the boat with a wheel that would have suited a WW2 Destroyer when it can always be turned with one finger.

I have sailed on Bav and the same thought has occurred to me about that one, and its autopilot is connected inside the pedestal so a smaller wheel does not affect it. However the steering is rather heavier than mine and this would be a consideration. Even so, a reduction from 50 inch diameter to 40 would not make it impossible to handle, even for the less strong crew mwmbers.
 
cdogg said:
Has anyone changed their steering wheel (smaller). I would like to be able to squeeze past the wheel without having to climb up over the cockpit seats. This would make stern-to boarding/loading etc. much easier. I realise any new wheel would have to suit the auto-helm wheel fittings.

Yacht Bavaria 30
Click to expand...

You can get smaller wheels from Lewmar. However, the wheel is already pretty small - seems big because the boat is small for a wheel! Steering is quite light, but you will notice the difference and as already suggested it will make steering from the side more difficult. Should not affect the autopilot, except you may have to redrill the fittings for the drive if the new wheel has a different number of spokes. Suggest you speak to Lewmar who made the steering.
 
We have done this. I purchased a second hand SS wheel to give us a bit more room in the cockpit. When the boat is hard pressed the wife finds the smaller wheel a bit of a problem as its not leather covered like the original and its not so fat. We have kept the original wheel. I don't have the measurements as I am at work at the moment. I feel fine with the new wheel although when wet its a bit slippery. If you need the measurement pm me. Mine is a Lewmar set up and I replaced like with like. It does make access and egress into the cockpit much easier.
 
"If you need the measurement pm me"

Thanks Mocruising, I will do that after I have measured my own wheel this coming weekend. My wheel is suede covered and I would try and go for the same again.

Your boat is in a higher league from mine and will no doubt have different rudder load characteristics. However, it would be interesting to know your wheel sizes.

Cheers
 
Note that if you go down a wheel size and it affects your ability to sit out and reach the wheel, there are wheel tiller extensions on the market (new product review in YM August addition IIRC). It just clamps to the wheel top of the wheel rim. So, there is a solution to sitting out and steering with small wheels.

Good luck. At 41' with a 24" wheel I have no problems steering. I dont look cool though and cant attract the girls becuase of the small wheel, so there may be more at risk than you think. ;)
 
cdogg said:
"If you need the measurement pm me"

Thanks Mocruising, I will do that after I have measured my own wheel this coming weekend. My wheel is suede covered and I would try and go for the same again.

Your boat is in a higher league from mine and will no doubt have different rudder load characteristics. However, it would be interesting to know your wheel sizes.

Cheers
Click to expand...

You can get details of wheels on the Lewmar site. The smallest is 26" (66cm), which is what I think you will find you have fitted to your boat. That is the size I have on my 37.

If you have a below decks autopilot it is quite easy to remove the wheel and Lewmar do a fitting that clamps to the pushpit to store the wheel. More difficult if you have an ST 4000 type drive as you have to disconnect the cable each time.
 
Why not raise the pedestal? That's what I did. A bit of trig should show you by how much. You will probably need to lengthen the steering cables (assuming) and maybe the engine controls.

I made a block laminated from 2" thick mahogany. Then someone nicked the wheel and the replacement was even bigger so I made a new pedestal.
 
sensational

In this case size does matter, more inches better feel................
Unless you always sit directly behind the wheel bigger is better, I hate sitting centrally as view through the sprayhood is very poor. A folding wheel to to get past would be great, but not at what they charge for them!
 
BlowingOldBoots said:
Note that if you go down a wheel size and it affects your ability to sit out and reach the wheel, there are wheel tiller extensions on the market (new product review in YM August addition IIRC). It just clamps to the wheel top of the wheel rim. So, there is a solution to sitting out and steering with small wheels.

Good luck. At 41' with a 24" wheel I have no problems steering. I dont look cool though and cant attract the girls becuase of the small wheel, so there may be more at risk than you think. ;)
Click to expand...

How many turns lock 2 lock do you have
 
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