Preferred helm wheel cover?

[Justin_NSA]

I have an Edson 28" diameter wheel on my pedestal. The laced leather(?) wrap is falling apart and should be replaced. What materials are you using these days? I keep the pedestal covered when not in use. I could leave it bare and mark the neutral position but it just doesn't seem right.

 

[Cest La Vie]

Highly recommend another leather cover from boatleather.com. sewing it on is a great winter project. Have had mine for almost 20 years and it still looks like new

 

[sailcapt340]

Highly recommend another leather cover from boatleather.com. sewing it on is a great winter project. Have had mine for almost 20 years and it still looks like new

Totally agree. boatleather.com is a great company to work with. I met the owner about 22 years ago at the Newport International Boat Show, down to earth guy, very helpful.
This winter (a great winter project) I am planning on replacing my cover of 22 years from them.
It‘s not inexpensive but it is well worth it.
If you do contact them, you find he is on his dream trip of sailing the Northwest area to Alaska. But will be back in September.
Your right, a plain wheel just doesn’t feel right.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Thanks guys. I'll order one from them. They are not cheap, no telling how old mine is. '92 H30T.

 

[twodzusfittings]

I wrapped and knotted mine with Robline Cord. A picture below shows it incomplete. Once the finished wheel was mounted, I found the position of straight forward and knotted a Carrick Bend band in place. Total cost about $40. (two reels)

I will say, I should have taken more time and did a better job of wrapping where the spindles meet the wheel. I suggest if using the method of wrapping, wear strong leather gloves because the cord will cut into your index finger and your pinky when pulling it tight and making the knot. Just my experience.

 

[thinwater]

My preference is a warp with 3/16-cord, without knots.

• I find knots irritating under hand. Would you want them on the wheel of your car? I think not.
• Absorbs sweat better than leather. Warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Easier to replace than leather or knotted cord.

Some people varnish or otherwise coat the cord for durability. Or they use waxed cord. To me, these only reduce comfort. Of course, my helm was covered. That said, if I were cover th teill on my F-24 (not needed, since wood is a good insulator), I would wraps it in the same way. Smooth rope.

 

[sailcapt340]

If you plan on taking the wheel home to it. Build yourself a stand similar to this. Helps to hold the wheel in front you as you spin it while lacing it up. Nothing but some scrap wood, 33” high, dowel that fits the wheel you have and comfortable for sitting in front of it. And doubles as a stand for all kinds of this things.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I replaced my Boat-Leather cover of 25 years with one that I bought from Clyde Marine. Nice quality and less expensive than Boat-Leather.

https://clydemarineleather.co.uk/products/wheel-covers/

 

[jssailem]

I've thought about a fancy wrap for the wheel. But then I always wear a sailing glove as managing the lines while sailing can really chap one's hands.

And MacKenzie’s Fisherman Hand Salve can only do so much to tenderize the chapped meat.

 

[thinwater]

I've thought about a fancy wrap for the wheel. But then I always wear a sailing glove as managing the lines while sailing can really chap one's hands.

And MacKenzie’s Fisherman Hand Salve can only do so much to tenderize the chapped meat.

Try it. A covered wheel is also much warmer when it is cool.

 

[SoSound]

Try it. A covered wheel is also much warmer when it is cool.

One of the tips that I give my ski students, DON’T hold your aluminum ski poles by the shafts when riding the chairlift, it sucks the heat right out of you, even through the best ski gloves!

 

[Justin_NSA]

I think I'm going with a boatleather.com navy blue cover unless they discourage it. They note that the most popular choice is "Blue gray is the most popular color, no dye is added " but the navy blue matches my trim. It's going to be a Christmas gift / winter project. I need to disconnect my Raymarine autohelm. I have lots of time. We're in the second year of a drought that prevents the fixed keel boats from launching

 

[sailcapt340]

Justin,
Navy Blue is the one we have on our boat. It was a great project to take on. I’ll share a couple of pictures of ours for you to see. Bear in mind, it is 24 years old, but all things considered, it has worn very well. They’re not the clearest of photos but look close and you will see where the blue coloring has worn. But the leather itself is still as thick as new.
I don’t think you can go wrong with your decision. I would also suggest to you that you get the foam padding as well. It gives the wheel an added thickness and more comfort.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

We're in the second year of a drought that prevents the fixed keel boats from launching

Maybe time to consider transport to another spot where you can use it, or sell it for something you can use locally? Just asking.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Maybe time to consider transport to another spot where you can use it, or sell it for something you can use locally? Just asking.

I've discussed it with the admiral. All other usable lakes are 3+ hours away. Ours is only 40 minutes. There's also the cost to transport it. Our trailer is not road worthy. No brakes, fenders etc. Even if it was, we don't have anything powerful enough to tow it. She won't downsize. We had a MacGregor 26S prior to the Hunter that we could have gotten some sailing on. It's a conundrum. I'm going to relinquish my slip until the lake fills back up. Experts say in 3-4 years with normal rainfall. Then we only have dues and yardspace rent.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Justin,
Navy Blue is the one we have on our boat. It was a great project to take on. I’ll share a couple of pictures of ours for you to see. Bear in mind, it is 24 years old, but all things considered, it has worn very well. They’re not the clearest of photos but look close and you will see where the blue coloring has worn. But the leather itself is still as thick as new.
I don’t think you can go wrong with your decision. I would also suggest to you that you get the foam padding as well. It gives the wheel an added thickness and more comfort.

How long before the color began to wear off? Can it be touched up? Boatleather hasn't responded. They should be back from their voyage.

 

[sailcapt340]

I first started to notice the color loss about 3 years ago. My guess is sun and wear from my sailing gloves. I never looked into trying to recolor it.

 

[Nichole340]

Is that a wood or other material table I see in the photo? Where can I get one of those?

 

[Caboteur]

Multi color paracord… the yellow fades away quickly. The leather had dried out and was loosing pieces, just tied the paracord over it.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I need to complete a wrap soon, but I'm having a hard time letting go of the $300 for a new leather one. I love the look in post #5. I think I might follow twodzusfittings's lead.