For a Christams present, I've talked the Admiral into installing a leather wheel cover on the Edson wheel of our O'Day 302 (she's much better with a needle and thread than I am!). There seems to be two suppliers: Boat Leather and Edson. Has anybody had any experience with either? Are they tough to put on? And can anyone comment on the value of getting the foam under the leather cover vs. just the cover? Thanks.
Leather Wheel Cover Advice
- Thread starter Steve L22188
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sizes
If you are going to cover the wheel with leather why would you want foam under the leather? It will change the size of the leather because it will change the circumference of the wheel, both the overall circumference and the circumference of the tube that makes the rim of the wheel. It probably won't be as durable as the leather and may increase the tendency of the cover to slip. Besides all that it will be a beast to put on and keep in place while your future ex-wife sews the leather on.;-)
If you are going to cover the wheel with leather why would you want foam under the leather? It will change the size of the leather because it will change the circumference of the wheel, both the overall circumference and the circumference of the tube that makes the rim of the wheel. It probably won't be as durable as the leather and may increase the tendency of the cover to slip. Besides all that it will be a beast to put on and keep in place while your future ex-wife sews the leather on.;-)
foam insert
I guess it's a matter of personal preference - some don't see the need for the foam, however, after doing it with ours, I would recommend it. The feel of the wheel with the foam is significantly softer - similar to the difference between a padded automobile wheel vs. the old metal ones covered in vinyl - a big difference particularly on long days at the helm. It does increase the thickness (diameter slightly) but that's a good thing - also similar to driving a car with a thin vs thick wheel. If done properly, it won't slip or be any less durable, maybe more durable...In terms of difficulty, the padding can easily be stuck where you want it before sewing on the leather. Having done it both ways, the difference in difficulty isn't significant. Can't say what, if any, difference there is between the two suppliers other than color choice.Learn how to do a suture stitch and have fun. Don
I guess it's a matter of personal preference - some don't see the need for the foam, however, after doing it with ours, I would recommend it. The feel of the wheel with the foam is significantly softer - similar to the difference between a padded automobile wheel vs. the old metal ones covered in vinyl - a big difference particularly on long days at the helm. It does increase the thickness (diameter slightly) but that's a good thing - also similar to driving a car with a thin vs thick wheel. If done properly, it won't slip or be any less durable, maybe more durable...In terms of difficulty, the padding can easily be stuck where you want it before sewing on the leather. Having done it both ways, the difference in difficulty isn't significant. Can't say what, if any, difference there is between the two suppliers other than color choice.Learn how to do a suture stitch and have fun. Don
I used Boat Leather (I think)
It is a great winter-in-front-of-the boob-tube project. Not very hard, but tough on the hands due to the need to pull each stitch tight. I used to do 2-3 spokes each night, then give my hands a rest. Done in a week or so. I did not use the foam. The leather sticks to the outside edge of the wheel with double-sided tape. This helps in the installation and probably helps to keep the leather from moving under hand pressure. I would also suggest that you get a small colored strip of leather from Boat Leather with the cover. It is applied over the cover at top dead center of the wheel to give a visual on centering. And you can feel it as well. They come in many colors and are only a couple of bucks. If you have a spoke at TDC, just put it on one side. It's a great addition to the wheel.
It is a great winter-in-front-of-the boob-tube project. Not very hard, but tough on the hands due to the need to pull each stitch tight. I used to do 2-3 spokes each night, then give my hands a rest. Done in a week or so. I did not use the foam. The leather sticks to the outside edge of the wheel with double-sided tape. This helps in the installation and probably helps to keep the leather from moving under hand pressure. I would also suggest that you get a small colored strip of leather from Boat Leather with the cover. It is applied over the cover at top dead center of the wheel to give a visual on centering. And you can feel it as well. They come in many colors and are only a couple of bucks. If you have a spoke at TDC, just put it on one side. It's a great addition to the wheel.
Agree
I agree with Don. I added the Boat Leather wheel cover a few years ago as a winter project. I opted for it without the padding but have sailed a friends boat with the padding. Its a matter of do you like chocolate or vanilla. It's easy to install and the directions were very clear. I'd suggest that you bring a pair of sailing gloves home as they will make tightening the stiching more comfortable. Next summer you will be really glad you spent a bit of time in the winter doing this simple project. Bill
I agree with Don. I added the Boat Leather wheel cover a few years ago as a winter project. I opted for it without the padding but have sailed a friends boat with the padding. Its a matter of do you like chocolate or vanilla. It's easy to install and the directions were very clear. I'd suggest that you bring a pair of sailing gloves home as they will make tightening the stiching more comfortable. Next summer you will be really glad you spent a bit of time in the winter doing this simple project. Bill
Boat Leather
I installed the Boat leather with foam couple years ago. It takes a while. I did mine over several days. I "mounted" my wheel on a wooden dowel at home so it was easy to work on. Use sailing gloves to prorect your hands while tighening the thread. The product from Boat Leather was very good and they were very helpful while ordering. Bob F.
I installed the Boat leather with foam couple years ago. It takes a while. I did mine over several days. I "mounted" my wheel on a wooden dowel at home so it was easy to work on. Use sailing gloves to prorect your hands while tighening the thread. The product from Boat Leather was very good and they were very helpful while ordering. Bob F.
Protecting Hands
Several folks have mentioned protecting their hands when installing a leather wheel cover. I wholeheartedly agree! The amount of force you need to properly install the cover will have the thread digging into even the toughest hands - and gloves - faily quickly. (As shown in the picture) I used a small screwdriver to a) take the load of the thread instead of my fingers, and to b) give me something more substantial to hold onto. Another note on this subject - make real sure you buy the proper size cover for your wheel. The wheel diameter (probably 30-48 inches) isn't as important - it's easy to measure and they'll give you extra in the kit. The wheel circumference - measured around the thickness of the tubing - makes a huge difference and they won't give you extra there. Might be 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/8 inch, etc. Measure twice, order once. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Several folks have mentioned protecting their hands when installing a leather wheel cover. I wholeheartedly agree! The amount of force you need to properly install the cover will have the thread digging into even the toughest hands - and gloves - faily quickly. (As shown in the picture) I used a small screwdriver to a) take the load of the thread instead of my fingers, and to b) give me something more substantial to hold onto. Another note on this subject - make real sure you buy the proper size cover for your wheel. The wheel diameter (probably 30-48 inches) isn't as important - it's easy to measure and they'll give you extra in the kit. The wheel circumference - measured around the thickness of the tubing - makes a huge difference and they won't give you extra there. Might be 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/8 inch, etc. Measure twice, order once. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
My hands still hurt...
and so do my "Admiral's!" We're still talking to each other. (Xmas 1998!!!) It's NOT for simple comfort, it just answers the question of "How cold can stainless steel on a boat get even when it's 95 degrees outside?" I can't conceive of anyone needing to spend that amount of time at the helm holding the wheel that having foam would make a difference. If I had to steer that long at any one time and/or for that long, that I'd notice it, I'd sure either get a wheel brake, learn better sail trim, and/or improve my autopilot's ability to steer. Stu PS - ...hands still hurt...;D
and so do my "Admiral's!" We're still talking to each other. (Xmas 1998!!!) It's NOT for simple comfort, it just answers the question of "How cold can stainless steel on a boat get even when it's 95 degrees outside?" I can't conceive of anyone needing to spend that amount of time at the helm holding the wheel that having foam would make a difference. If I had to steer that long at any one time and/or for that long, that I'd notice it, I'd sure either get a wheel brake, learn better sail trim, and/or improve my autopilot's ability to steer. Stu PS - ...hands still hurt...;D
one needle or two
This is a question for all that have sewn on a leather wheel cover. When they sew the cover on a baseball they use two needles and sew like you would lace a shoe. When you sewed the wheel cover did you use a single needle or did you use two needles?
This is a question for all that have sewn on a leather wheel cover. When they sew the cover on a baseball they use two needles and sew like you would lace a shoe. When you sewed the wheel cover did you use a single needle or did you use two needles?
One needle
per the included instructions. Needle, thread, and contrasting leather strip for wheel centering was included. I also love the foam padding with the Boat Leather wheel cover. It just gives you a little more of a luxurious feel whenever you hold the wheel, with absolutely no negatives (unless price). The foam padding did not complicate the installation. It has self-stick adhesive on it, and did not affect the fit of the cover.
per the included instructions. Needle, thread, and contrasting leather strip for wheel centering was included. I also love the foam padding with the Boat Leather wheel cover. It just gives you a little more of a luxurious feel whenever you hold the wheel, with absolutely no negatives (unless price). The foam padding did not complicate the installation. It has self-stick adhesive on it, and did not affect the fit of the cover.
I installed Boat Leather (with foam pad)
with few if any problems. Took a couple of days on the boat. Love it. A friend bought the Edson kit, hated it, and returned it for a refund, then bought and installed the Boat Leather kit. Can't say what he hated about it, and don't know if that's typical, but this is all the experience that I have with both sources of leather for wheels. Steve Alchemist C-320 #909
with few if any problems. Took a couple of days on the boat. Love it. A friend bought the Edson kit, hated it, and returned it for a refund, then bought and installed the Boat Leather kit. Can't say what he hated about it, and don't know if that's typical, but this is all the experience that I have with both sources of leather for wheels. Steve Alchemist C-320 #909
Unabashed plug
We offer the Boat Leather covers on this site (check the cockpit tab in the chanldery). same price as you'll get direct from Boat Leather. It's one of the first products we carried here.
We offer the Boat Leather covers on this site (check the cockpit tab in the chanldery). same price as you'll get direct from Boat Leather. It's one of the first products we carried here.
Give'em all hell about the price of these things
I ran into the Boat Leather guys at the Newport, RI boat show in September and gave them hell for the ridiculous prices these things go for. They stood their ground gracefully and made their pitch that their leather was treated better than Edson's and would last a very long time, etc., and I grudgingly rewarded them by offering that if I were ever to pay $180 for a flat piece of leather that makes me do all the work I would probably choose theirs, but like too many products made for the boating market these things are ridiculously overpriced. If you feel compelled to buy one of these kits at least have the gumption to complain about the price as you hand over the check...
I ran into the Boat Leather guys at the Newport, RI boat show in September and gave them hell for the ridiculous prices these things go for. They stood their ground gracefully and made their pitch that their leather was treated better than Edson's and would last a very long time, etc., and I grudgingly rewarded them by offering that if I were ever to pay $180 for a flat piece of leather that makes me do all the work I would probably choose theirs, but like too many products made for the boating market these things are ridiculously overpriced. If you feel compelled to buy one of these kits at least have the gumption to complain about the price as you hand over the check...
I thought the same thing about price "Ouch"
But now after buying the wheel wrap from "Boat Leather" Now I know why the price is as such. The Boat Leather product is a very high quality product. When I got my leather it is apparent that it is a high grade leather. (You don't want it coming apart after a few years in the sun and rain after all the work you go through putting it on.) It is ~very precisely~ cut to exact measurments for my wheel and ends already sewn together for my wheel (I suggest ordering the exact size from them and not getting the generic package where you need cut to fit). Also the foam is very nice to have - I also thought it was a bit extravagent but now I'm glad I got it. The feel is very nice. It was easy adding the foam as they manufacture it special with a sticky back so all you need to do is wrap it on the wheel then easily overlay the leather. It all stays in place fairly well. Yeah its a bit tough on the hands to do this properly - I suggest a good spindle or pole to hold the wheel while you pull on the thread to tighten up the stiches. I had a great deal of satisfaction doing this all myself PS. Purchase it right here from Phil. Support the forum !! Plus prices are just as good !
But now after buying the wheel wrap from "Boat Leather" Now I know why the price is as such. The Boat Leather product is a very high quality product. When I got my leather it is apparent that it is a high grade leather. (You don't want it coming apart after a few years in the sun and rain after all the work you go through putting it on.) It is ~very precisely~ cut to exact measurments for my wheel and ends already sewn together for my wheel (I suggest ordering the exact size from them and not getting the generic package where you need cut to fit). Also the foam is very nice to have - I also thought it was a bit extravagent but now I'm glad I got it. The feel is very nice. It was easy adding the foam as they manufacture it special with a sticky back so all you need to do is wrap it on the wheel then easily overlay the leather. It all stays in place fairly well. Yeah its a bit tough on the hands to do this properly - I suggest a good spindle or pole to hold the wheel while you pull on the thread to tighten up the stiches. I had a great deal of satisfaction doing this all myself PS. Purchase it right here from Phil. Support the forum !! Plus prices are just as good !
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