Changing out Steering Wheel '82

[rip@chugach.net]

Hi,

I have a 22 foot 1982 classic and want to change out the steering wheel for more of a classis boat look rather than the feeling of driving a car.

Is this hard, anything I need to be concerned about, and does the standard size (like the ones at west marine) just fit right on w/ out modification ?

C-Dory Factory said they would sell me one like they are placing on the '08, that is what I would really want to do. OR - Does anyone have a good link to wood classic steering wheels?

Thanks for any advise.

PS: Cdory hooked me up with new stickers, You are the best CDory - Thanks - Looks so good...

 

[Sea Wolf]

Hi,

I have a 22 foot 1982 classic and want to change out the steering wheel for more of a classis boat look rather than the feeling of driving a car.

Is this hard, anything I need to be concerned about, and does the standard size (like the ones at west marine) just fit right on w/ out modification ?

The steering wheel shafts are pretty well standardized, as far as I know and have experienced. Probably an industry standard, like one of the ABYC standards.

You may have to get a wheel/bearing puller if it's really stuck on the shaft, but just last month TyBoo and others described this process and said that usually you can thread the nut just firmly over the beginning of the shaft and give it a sharp rap (no sledgehammer job) while at the same time supporting the wheel with wedges from behind, and the shaft would move forward ever so slightly, and separate from the wheel. Discussion HERE.

C-Dory Factory said they would sell me one like they are placing on the '08, that is what I would really want to do. OR - Does anyone have a good link to wood classic steering wheels?

The standard 5 or 6 spoke stainless "destroyer' style wheel is what is mostly used industry wide, except on mini-tugs and trawlers, that may use a wood or stainless steel wheel with wooden spokes protruding on the sides, but you probably don't have room for the big side spokes. The Destroyer wheel comes with or without a rubber coated outer wheel. A suicide knob of your own choosing is optional, but generally useful, though it may start to look like an automotive wheel again!

As a matter of fact, try to imagine just how much bigger or smaller a wheel you would need for clearance for you knees before you buy one. Buying too large a wheel can leave no room for your thighs! I know of several C-Brats who had to lower their helm seats after buying too larger a replacement wheel!

There are a few fancy wood/stainless wheels available (like on the Ranger 25 Tug), but you may find the price sort of prohibitive, e.g., $350-$500.

The standard Destroyer wheel at WM will cost about $75, but decent knock-offs (maybe the same) are available on ebay for 1/2 or 1/3! I paid about $25 for my replacement 5 years ago, and it's indistinguishable from any other good stainless Destroyer wheel.

Thanks for any advise.

PS: Cdory hooked me up with new stickers, You are the best CDory - Thanks - Looks so good...

Let us know how it turns out!

P.S.: Talk to David of Anna Leigh, and he just might make you a wooden steering wheel center cap of Madrona (from the Madrone tree) wood!

Joe. :teeth :thup


Anna Leigh's Helm

 

[C-Otter]

Try Edson Marine steering wheels.com or Seateck Steering Wheels.com. They have 18 and 24 inch wheels with the handles sticking out. I have an Edson on may classic,looks great. Mine are wood handles with cast iron hubs. Mine are twenty years old and not no their web-site.

C-Otter