Had purchased the new Lewmar Folding Wheel at the spring boat show and loved how it opened up the tight cockpit. During season noticed that the factory installed leather wrapping was shrinking at the ends and after calling the Ct. office was told to bring it in by Garret. After seeing the wheel he gave me a new one right there with no complaint. He told me they knew about the shrinking problem and would replace as they heard about them. New one has "improved" Leather wrapping, improved, higher strength plastic securing handles and best of all, the new ones have small bungee cords in the handles for holding in the open position. This was missing on original. As I said, the folding wheel really opened the cockpit, especially when at anchor with friends. Nothing like dealing with a supplier that fully backs up their product. I also mentioned to Garret that I knew that Lewmar had purchased the Whitlock Co. and wondered if they had a solution to the wheel not locking completely. I told him that overnight the wheel would work loose and be spinning free when we woke up. He advised to take the back off the locking nut and clean off all grease as that stopped it from locking. Also be careful to use an agent that will not take the white finish off. Claims builders put way too much grease and the compression spring can't lock down. Another winter job to look forward to. Anybody had similar experience? Phil Kelly 376/Orion
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Kevin Whalen
Thanks
I had some shrinkage on mine last year. If it is worse this spring I'll be glad you shared your experience.
I had some shrinkage on mine last year. If it is worse this spring I'll be glad you shared your experience.
Same Problem
I had exactly the same problem with the folding wheel that came on my Hunter 33. I talked to the dealer and got Hunter (probably actually Lewmar) to replace it at no cost to me. The new wheel has the same changes you describe. In addition, the new wheel has set screws in the hinges that allow you to adjust the tension at the hinge to stop it from flopping around when it is folded. I made a Sunbrella cover that goes over the folded wheel and pedistal. The new wheel has never spent the night outside the cover. I have decided that I really like the folding wheel but it has to be with the understanding that it is not as rugged as an all stainless wheel.
I had exactly the same problem with the folding wheel that came on my Hunter 33. I talked to the dealer and got Hunter (probably actually Lewmar) to replace it at no cost to me. The new wheel has the same changes you describe. In addition, the new wheel has set screws in the hinges that allow you to adjust the tension at the hinge to stop it from flopping around when it is folded. I made a Sunbrella cover that goes over the folded wheel and pedistal. The new wheel has never spent the night outside the cover. I have decided that I really like the folding wheel but it has to be with the understanding that it is not as rugged as an all stainless wheel.
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Bob
Retrofit
I have a 2001 Hunter 320 and would like to change out the wheel. I have an Edson Pedestal (big old thing) and understand I can go from a 32 to a 36 inch wheel. Is it easy to take off the old and put the new one on or am I over simplifying this. Thanks!
I have a 2001 Hunter 320 and would like to change out the wheel. I have an Edson Pedestal (big old thing) and understand I can go from a 32 to a 36 inch wheel. Is it easy to take off the old and put the new one on or am I over simplifying this. Thanks!
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Bob
Retrofit
I have a 2001 Hunter 320 and would like to change out the wheel. I have an Edson Pedestal (big old thing) and understand I can go from a 32 to a 36 inch wheel. Is it easy to take off the old and put the new one on or am I over simplifying this. Thanks!
I have a 2001 Hunter 320 and would like to change out the wheel. I have an Edson Pedestal (big old thing) and understand I can go from a 32 to a 36 inch wheel. Is it easy to take off the old and put the new one on or am I over simplifying this. Thanks!
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Bill O'Donovan
Bob...
Dunno dynamics of changing to a folding wheel, but otherwise yes just take off the old standard wheel and put on the new. Key is align the wheel using the key, and ensure that the flat metal washer is properly in place to avoid loosening.
Dunno dynamics of changing to a folding wheel, but otherwise yes just take off the old standard wheel and put on the new. Key is align the wheel using the key, and ensure that the flat metal washer is properly in place to avoid loosening.
B
Bill O'Donovan
Bob...
Dunno dynamics of changing to a folding wheel, but otherwise yes just take off the old standard wheel and put on the new. Key is align the wheel using the key, and ensure that the flat metal washer is properly in place to avoid loosening.
Dunno dynamics of changing to a folding wheel, but otherwise yes just take off the old standard wheel and put on the new. Key is align the wheel using the key, and ensure that the flat metal washer is properly in place to avoid loosening.
J
Jack W
Wheel
I put one on my boat last summer and it was one of my top 5 favorite mods that I have made!! Be careful on going to a larger diameter. When opened, the wheel is not flat like your old wheel. They are slightly "dished" so the wheel actually will extend back a few inches towads the seat. Going larger may start to cramp you even a little more. Lewmar doesn't show a side view on their site. I hope you can visualize what I mean.
I put one on my boat last summer and it was one of my top 5 favorite mods that I have made!! Be careful on going to a larger diameter. When opened, the wheel is not flat like your old wheel. They are slightly "dished" so the wheel actually will extend back a few inches towads the seat. Going larger may start to cramp you even a little more. Lewmar doesn't show a side view on their site. I hope you can visualize what I mean.
D
Dave Sharp
What is the normal locking operation?
We purchased our 376 used and we don't have the operator's manuak for the Whitlock steering. How do you lock the wheel?
We purchased our 376 used and we don't have the operator's manuak for the Whitlock steering. How do you lock the wheel?
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