Show me your upgraded steering wheels.

C

capt. meares

New member
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. s-l1600.jpg
 
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.
 
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.
 
The wheel on our boat is stainless (?) and pretty cold. Are plastic wheels less popular because of looks or durability?


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bmcminn":35ym0acy said:
The wheel on our boat is stainless (?) and pretty cold. Are plastic wheels less popular because of looks or durability?


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Click to expand...

My boat has a SS wheel (Edson?), which has a plastic or leather over wrap. When I had racing sailboats we laced on leather covers over the large destroyer wheels: Some were up to 4 and 5 feet in diameter.
Edison makes kits to cover, as does "'Boat Leather" ($$$$). Most auto parts stores and Walmart make steering wheel covers. There are some which will work with the C Dory size wheel.
 
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