Wheely odd...

[capnsensible]

Discovered a problem on a yacht that has a potential safety issue regarding the steering. This boat is 14 months old, a common make, and the wheel type is widely used on lots of craft.
Problem is regarding the security of the spokes in the centre hub. The hub is in two parts held together by 5 allen screws. The spokes are tack welded to the forward hub plate and in this case every weld has failed thereby losing rigidity of the wheel itself and with the potential to render the wheel, well, totally busted!
By grabbing each spoke in turn and giving it a good shake will identify the problem.
The fix is straightforward, take the wheel off (bearing pullers make it a doddle), nip to your nearest stainless welder and get the whole of each spoke welded to the forward hub.
Interestingly, my local chap said 'yeah, done this before' and he is not a boat specialist. MMMM.
Hope someone finds this as a stitch in time!!

 

[fireball]

only tack welded - what's the make? that is just shoddy manufacturing!
You should see my over engineered grab pole in the galley ... you could hang the boat off it!

 

[capnsensible]

Dont know who manufactures the wheel but several thousand a year are being fitted to yachts made by leather trousered chaps with sausage breath. Rest of the boat is good though.

 

[fireball]

Glad I've got a tiller! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Searush]

Oooh, my s/s "destroyer" wheel's 35 years old & I've stood on it & even fallen on it from time to time (due to various fluids like diesel, sea water or alcohol mainly). Do you think I will need to check it?

Or is this just another example of how standards have deteriorated as financial issues have outweighed engineering and safety aspects over the last 25 years?