Mystery wheel

[jimshipsky]

My son recently saw this boat in Gdansk, Poland. I noticed the wheel is half below decks. I wonder why. Seems to me if the designer wanted more mechanical advantage, that could have been done in the gearing between wheel and quadrant. Maybe the intent is to allow steering from starboard or port? Anyone know?

 

[Timm R Oday25]

That makes sense to me .. Next time have your son take some more photos of the tug next to it ! That trawler is simply gorgeous

 

[Scott T-Bird]

This is not an uncommon design. The larger wheel has far more sensitivity, which the gearing would eliminate. Only the upper half of the wheel is useful for steering anyway. When do you ever steer from the bottom half, except on a lazy day with your foot? That you would never do on a race boat.

Also, you can tell from the position of the pedestal that the intention is to sit on the rail with the wheel between your legs when at the helm.

 

[kappykaplan]

Also, you can tell from the position of the pedestal that the intention is to sit on the rail with the wheel between your legs when at the helm.

Great observation, @Scott T-Bird !

 

[danstanford]

If you want to see the jib telltales for steering purposes you need to be on the rail. If you want to steer from there you need to be able to comfortably reach the wheel and so it must be large enough to reach from either rail as Scott indicates above. Once the wheel gets to be this diameter it would be too high to use comfortably unless it is sunk into the deck.

This is why some boats have gone to twin wheels so they can be smaller in diameter and still outboard sufficiently. Many racers love a tiller for these reasons where a tiller extension lets you be on the rail and fore-aft where you want to be also.

 

[jimshipsky]

Thanks for your responses. Anyone know what boat that is (make, manufacturer)?

 

[rgranger]

... the intention is to sit on the rail with the wheel between your legs when at the helm.

Ah! I thought the intention was to make it difficult to get to the companionway.

 

[DayDreamer41]

Ah! I thought the intention was to make it difficult to get to the companionway.

No need to get to the companionway, there is nothing below deck anyway, couple of hammocks and a porta-pottie

 

[markwbird]

80's era racing boat. Probably custom or one design. I crew on a very similar boat. 1D48. Only nine built. Almost identical to that one. Draws 10ft. Big rudder.

 

[Hollyberry]

Same idea as today's twin wheeled cockpits... get the driver outboard for visibility.