Beneteau Oceanis 381 Folding steering wheel?

[Brad Cross]

I have a 1999 Ben. 381and would like to upgrade to a 42” LEWMAR folding wheel. Has anyone tried this $1500 upgrade? Was it a good idea?

 

[Craig Meredith]

I have a 1999 Ben. 381and would like to upgrade to a 42” LEWMAR folding wheel. Has anyone tried this $1500 upgrade? Was it a good idea?

Just did and it is Great!

 

[Brad Cross]

Thanks for the reply. I assume it fit your Whitlock steering system fine.

 

[Cest La Vie]

Without question, the folding Lewmar wheel is one of the many "top number one" improvements we made on C'est La Vie. We stern to our dock and enter from the swim platform much of the time. Getting around the standard wheel was a grand PITA. The Lewmar wheel has been foolproof and we have had no issues in well over 15 years of use. I cannot imagine life without it.

 

[Brad Cross]

Is your boat an Oceanis 381? Does it have a Whitlock steering system?