wheely curious

[cuisto]

Have seen a few threads concearning steering wheel size.
Am curious as to the benefit of the larger wheel.
I understand that 1"of movement on a large wheel will move the rudders less than 1" on a small wheel. So is the advantage a matter of fine tuning course??
I was thinking about a small wheel for the sake of manoeverability in the cockpit is this idea piloting suicide??
Thanks guys
Scott

[kmclemore]

I don't know... I'm perfectly happy with the standard, smaller, wheel... doesn't bother me in the slightest.

But then perhaps I just don't have a need to 'compensate'?





Seriously though, I really am quite happy with the stock wheel. Admittedly, the cockpit might look more impressive with a larger wheel, and it may make it easier to steer (less effort), but I like the faster action from the smaller wheel and the effort doesn't bother me.

[Frank C]

I still have the factory wheel, too. IMO, the issue isn't to reduce steering effort. The main reason I'd want a larger wheel - so it's easier to reach from the trimmer's seat. Others want more clearance for the autopilot ring. A secondary advantage, for me, would be actually reducing the turning speed, to help reduce my tendency to oversteer when sailing. How 'bout this 24-incher from go2marine?

Acacia Wood 24" Steering Wheel (by Victory, $180)


Fits 3/4" tapered shaft; I'm curious if the ring measures 24", or spoke ...
(also available 16" and 20")

[Sloop John B]

I really like those prongs sticking out. Reminds me of the movies. Could probably turn the rudders even if they were buried in sand.

But I know sooner or later, sometime down the line, I'd end up getting pronged.

[Chip Hindes]

For me, the primary goal was to be able to reach the wheel while sitting on one of the side cockpit seats, with my back against the seatback.

It provides extra finger clearance after installing the wheel drive ring for the Raymarine ST4000-type autopilot.

It has the effect of slowing the steering down quite a lot; useful when sailing, not so good when maneuvering in close quarters under power. My steering is smooth and loose enough that I can use a finger on one of the spokes as a "spinner". I saw a sailboat at our marina last week that has one of those 50's automotive-style spinners. I may get one.

BTW, steering is original '01 Mac Detmar R&P; six seasons and counting. For all of you who promised several years ago that it would fail at any second, you're still wrong. Do not buy a larger wheel to reduce steering effort. You'll just break something. If your steering effort is high, something is wrong. Get it fixed first.

Also, like the second axle on the trailer, it just looks right. :

[Sloop John B]

When I replaced my steering cable with the Telflex, the instructions cautioned against using anything bigger than a 16" wheel.

I think the logic was that a larger wheel will give you more leverage that would allow you to overpower the system. So, get a bigger wheel, but take it easy.

[James V]

It just take getting use to. If the stearing is hard (stiff) when out of the water, it should be fixed. The only problem that I had is when I wanted to go 8 mph in 3 foot seas. Could not put the dagger board down. I should have slowed down.

The ratio on the stearing gear box is 2 to 1. This is what most power boats have. May be to much for a racer but not much of a problem for a 26 footer. If you want easier stearing, just replace the gear box with a higher ratio. You will have more room in the cockpit.

I instaled a 18" wheel because of the wheel auto pilot.

[baldbaby2000]

My steering has more slop than I would like. A bigger wheel would just exagerate it.

[Jeff Ritsema]

This is a wheel I just installed on my Odin- love it. Larger feel and can grasp the spokes from the side easily. Got it from GO 2 Marine. Schmidtt is the manufacturer.

[NautiMoments]

I just installed a 20" wheel in our M. We went racing this last weekend and both loved the feel of the wheel. Much easier for those minor adjustments sailing can require. As Sloop said you have to keep in mind that you have more leverage and should not make too many sudden quick moves at high speeds.