Large Steering Wheel

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   With one season of sailing my 370, I think the only thing that I really do not like is having to jump up on the side rail to get around the steering wheel when I need to adjust a line. My wife also dislikes having to climb over the wheel when I ask her to steer into the wind while I change a sail position. My question is, does the steering wheel really need to be as big as it is? Having always used tillers before this, I am not sure what I would give up if I replaced the current, very nice, wheel with a smaller one. I do think that a small wheel would allow me to move more comfortably around the boat, particularly when we are healing. Any comments?

Mike
Stella Maris

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
lukemi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commadore Joined: 06 February 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 439	Post Options Post Reply Quote lukemi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Large Steering Wheel Posted: 20 August 2007 at 18:11
	With one season of sailing my 370, I think the only thing that I really do not like is having to jump up on the side rail to get around the steering wheel when I need to adjust a line. My wife also dislikes having to climb over the wheel when I ask her to steer into the wind while I change a sail position. My question is, does the steering wheel really need to be as big as it is? Having always used tillers before this, I am not sure what I would give up if I replaced the current, very nice, wheel with a smaller one. I do think that a small wheel would allow me to move more comfortably around the boat, particularly when we are healing. Any comments? Mike Stella Maris

colincooper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rear Admiral Joined: 23 October 2005 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 562	Post Options Post Reply Quote colincooper Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 August 2007 at 21:32
	a big wheel lets you sit on side when heeling and still steer. it also looks more like a racing boat. otherwise a smaller one would presumably work.
	Colin (owner of Hilde - a 370)

Popeye Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 12 September 2005 Location: Mongolia Status: Offline Points: 322	Post Options Post Reply Quote Popeye Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 August 2007 at 22:13
	Totally agree with Colin; I have the big wheel and seem to constantly meet other jealous owners who wish they'd ordered it. Pure dead brilliant for sitting on side deck, foot on pidestal for support, watch the telltales and steer the boat. And bonus with big wheel = fewer spokes, so my kids actually walk / creep thro the wheel as opposed to going around it.
	Popeye the sailorman

Goodie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 09 November 2006 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Goodie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 August 2007 at 04:52
	I originally considered the large wheel Jaff (1400 mm -- 55 inches) but instead went with the smaller standard wheel for the 370 (it is still a very good size). I am glad that I did as it allows me to steer from the side, almost out to the rail and at the same time provides good access around it from behind the wheel to the rest of the cockpit. From my experience, the 1400 mm wheel would have been too large for a 370 and is better suited for the 400 where I believe it is a standard item.

lukemi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commadore Joined: 06 February 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 439	Post Options Post Reply Quote lukemi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 August 2007 at 13:42
	Thanks all for the info. I'm not sure which size is on my 370. I'll check next time I'm at the boat. I agree that the large wheel is great for the "crossover racer" in me. When I'm with a group that knows how to sail, we are generally up on the side and the large wheel helps. In most cases though, my family is on the boat and they are die hard crusers. The best answer may be to have a little more deck space but that can't be changed. I did not know there was a smaller wheel option. I will need to check that and see if it may be better for the comfort of all the family.

371-#235 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 14 February 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 272	Post Options Post Reply Quote 371-#235 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 August 2007 at 15:30
	I installed the Lewmar folding wheel 3 years ago and have been very happy with it. see pic below - please excuse all the mess - it was the only picture I have showing the wheel. Bob, 371-#235

colincooper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rear Admiral Joined: 23 October 2005 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 562	Post Options Post Reply Quote colincooper Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 August 2007 at 18:34
	Or take the wheel off altogether in harbour. Use a spanner or use a quick-release hub. Or the above folding wheel. None are a solution for at sea..... Not sure how big my wheel is. We didn't have an option of big or small - just multi-spoked (from memory). We were hull #35. We thought at first that we might need some of the above. However we have got used to climbing around the wheel. In harbour we tend to board at a high level - and so straight onto the benches. That gives a clear passage past the wheel. At sea I quite like the wheel hiding the open end of the boat. Clip on when going around to the steering position - otherwise safe in the boat. Another one of those horse-for-courses items....
	Colin (owner of Hilde - a 370)

lukemi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commadore Joined: 06 February 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 439	Post Options Post Reply Quote lukemi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 August 2007 at 19:17
	Bob, it is interesting to view the contents of your locker in this picture. I have almost the identical contents (brush, drill, life jackets, etc) down to the color of your bucket. I guess these are all items everyone purchases for their boat and probably buy at the same stores. Regarding the wheel, I did not have the option of different sizes when I got my 370 (at least not that I knew). For reference, size and prices of JEFA wheels are located at the following web site: http://www.jefa.com/steering/steering.htm Due to the price, I think I will wait for another couple of years and see if I can convince everyone on Stella Maris that they like the current design. Mike Stella Maris

Rubato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 12 July 2006 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1806	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rubato Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 August 2007 at 00:12
	The larger wheel (for the 370 or the 400) has dual spokes. In my opinion, either wheel requires some effort to get around so there really isn't much convenience gained with the smaller one. As you would guess, I went with the larger.... love it Steve

371-#235 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 14 February 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 272	Post Options Post Reply Quote 371-#235 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 August 2007 at 17:16
	If you are interested in the folding wheel solution - the Lewmar folding wheel comes comlete with two hubs (Whitlock style and Edson style) that can be interchanged easily (remove six hex bolts and change). From looking at the Jefa Wheel site it looks as though the hub is essentially identical to the Lewmar hub so I believe you can use the Lewmar folding wheel on the Jefa binnacle. Anyone know otherwise?? Bob,371-#235



Welcome to myHanse.com the forum for Hanse Yachts owners throughout the world.