Folding steering wheel

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innervations
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Folding steering wheel

Post by innervations »

Has any installed a folding steering wheel on an :macx: or :macm: ?

If have searched the mods and forums but cannot find any mention.

http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/Lewm ... heels.html

They are expensive but the larger wheel would make steering feel much better.
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Highlander
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Highlander »

u can p/u A 20" OR 22" WHEEL for about $90. a lot cheaper & not too big to get around

J 8)
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Matt19020
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Matt19020 »

I have a larger wheel....If you can afford a folding one go for it...
My issue is I can not open fuel lockers fully to fill tanks...not a terrible problem but a little pain in the a$$
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innervations
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by innervations »

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Mat19020 that wheel looks great. Must be easier to steer that using the stock. What diameter is it?
bartmac
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by bartmac »

Good idea of a folding wheel BUT....geez bit of money
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SKIPPER2C
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by SKIPPER2C »

"Matt19020"]I have a larger wheel....If you can afford a folding one go for it...
My issue is I can not open fuel lockers fully to fill tanks...not a terrible problem but a little pain in the a$$
Matt I did a mod that might work for u.
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Tomfoolery
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Tomfoolery »

I looked into a folding wheel for my last boat, and when I got finished choking on the price, I pulled the nut and stored the wheel on the rail when spending extended time on the boat. Gotta be careful about dropping it over the side, so I'd tether it with a line when it was still in the cockpit, then strap it to the rail tightly. Belt and suspenders. It was a big wheel, and even the stock destroyer wheel was a lot of money. The folder was thousands. :D

I only see a nut there, so it should be easy to pop it off. Free, too. Just watch the key. You can buy a knurled nut for easy removal without tools, but I kept the nut on mine just tight enough that I could remove it without tools. Also free. :wink:
reastmure
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by reastmure »

Doesn't look like it would be compatible with an auto pilot. In fact you could pick up an auto pilot for less cost . Love my auto pilot! It doesn't mind handling the smallish Mac steering wheel 8)
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yukonbob
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by yukonbob »

How does the larger wheel do with putting extra tourque on the steering?
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Matt19020
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Matt19020 »

innervations wrote:Thanks guys for the suggestions. Mat19020 that wheel looks great. Must be easier to steer that using the stock. What diameter is it?
Not sure about easier...I never even used the stock wheel. I put this on before I put it in the water for the first time

This is from an earlier post: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... lit=+wheel
I put a 28" wheel on but If I were to do it again I would use a 26" for better tank clearance and walk around room... check the below link, mid page for pictures

http://macgregorsailors.com/forum/viewt ... eel#p78824
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Matt19020
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Matt19020 »

SKIPPER2C wrote:
Matt I did a mod that might work for u.
Thanks Skipper that is a great idea..I may look into that over the winter to see if it will clear the wheel
Last edited by Matt19020 on Thu Oct 31, 2013 4:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Matt19020
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Matt19020 »

yukonbob wrote:How does the larger wheel do with putting extra tourque on the steering?
Not sure...I believe I saw something on the dismantle of the existing (stock wheel) and it stated that they (teleflex) did not recommend increasing wheel size...
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Boblee »

When we first got the boat was going to try and put a hinge arrangement at the bottom of the pedastal but quite happy now with the standard wheel it seems to grow on you.
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mastreb
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by mastreb »

I can't imagine climbing around a wheel any larger than the stock one. The cockpit is already too cramped. I will say however that it's just BARELY big enough for the Raymarine wheel pilot.
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Re: Folding steering wheel

Post by Catigale »

That's because God had to put a big body around that big heart, Captain.

:wink:
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