I've seen a few pics where the wheel is backwards. Is this simply done because there's no place for a pedestal?
Steering Backwards
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
Yes. It's an engineering solution that is as old as the wheel helm.
-Will (Dragonfly)
-Will (Dragonfly)
Same as a tiller or a car push the top towards the side of the boat that you want to make circles. The more you push or turn the tighter the circles get it works in both forward and reverse. Steering behind rather than backwards I think.
More room in the cockpit. Perhaps simpler connection to tiller quadrant - can use direct rack & pinion connection, rather than a chain as freestanding binnacle, which is the reason for the angling of the reverse-mount?
Here's another example from the Truman Show, but that boat trip didn't end well:
Here's another example from the Truman Show, but that boat trip didn't end well:
Most modern (post 1880's) boats with that helm arrangement have worm gears to turn the rudder. Best system ever; helm stays where you left it.
According to some people, that's the proper way to mount a wheel; all others are backwards.
Here's a view into an older wheel setup starting at 18:50 in this video
Interesting thread on backward steering wheel.
www.sailnet.com
Backwards Wheel Helm... duh... what?
In my discovery of the many traditional type sailing boats out there I sometimes come across boats with a wheel helm facing aft in the cockpit. Is there a name for this arrangement and are there any bona fide Sailnet opinions about it's usefulness. Obviously, it gives more space in the...
When steering a boat with rack and pinion or worm gear (Thanks @capta for the name) the helmsman stands to the side of the wheel. The spokes on the wheel make it easier to hold onto the wheel and control it. Standing to the side often allows for greater visibility forward since the cabin house and masts will not obstruct sight lines.
Even with a forward facing wheel it gives better visibility
I actually installed stirrups (simple brass ones on either side of the worm gear casing), and they worked great in heavy weather.
That sounds like something Mike Plant, The Ocean Cowboy would have done. YeeHaw!!!
And that's why rack and pinion and worm gear steering is seldom if ever used on a racing boat.
Wrong hat! lolThat sounds like something Mike Plant, The Ocean Cowboy would have done. YeeHaw!!!
