Show me your upgraded steering wheels.

capt. meares

I often wonder why we go away from designs that have proven throughout history they work great, and are the best practical option. There are many examples. The traditional ships wheel is a design that I have always been a fan of, and someone had to literally reinvented the wheel. I recently found this very high quality stainless vintage wheel, in excellent condition that fits perfectly on my 22 cruiser. The seller said it came from a "1940's cabin cruiser". I like the idea of being able to steer with one finger, from almost any position inside the cabin within reach. I would like to see other C-brats after market wheels. Thanks for sharing.

thataway · Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:38 pm Post subject:

There is a reason that most vessels have gone away from this type of design, and to the "Destroyer" rimmed type of wheels. That is safety. I have seen injury from this type of spoked wheel. A fall against one of the "spokes" is one issue. Also a body can be pushed toward one of the exposed spokes when going thru a wake etc.

A destroyer wheel, with an Edson "spinner"--also called suicide or necking nobs, is safer.

Best are the padded wheels. On our classic designed wooden ketch, boat of the 36" diameter wooden wheels, had a wooden rim around the spokes. If you wanted the leverage, you could still get it between the spokes.

Not to rain on the spoked wheel parade, but we all should be aware of a potential issue.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 6:10 pm Post subject:

One of the commercial boats I drove had the protruding spokes. I didn't have an issue with falling onto it, but the darn thing would catch my jacket regularly (generally standing to drive that boat). Give me a non-protruding spoke wheel, preferably padded, every time. I appreciate the classic look, but not the function.

jakevolvo@yahoo.com · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 11:04 am Post subject:

I went with the smaller destroyer wheel with the spinner and HYDRAULIC steering. Hydro steer is a must have in my opinion. Smaller wheel made for a lot more leg room

bmcminn · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 12:26 pm Post subject:

The wheel on our boat is stainless (?) and pretty cold. Are plastic wheels less popular because of looks or durability?

jakevolvo@yahoo.com · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 12:39 pm Post subject:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=C-Told-Ya-So&id=20190806_111743&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

thataway · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 1:00 pm Post subject:

bmcminn · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 1:22 pm Post subject:

Great idea! I used one on a VW vanagon we had and they look and feel classy.