Lewmar folding wheel

Les · Nov 24, 2011

I have a 2009 H27 with the Lewmar folding wheel and I am quite pleased with it. Think of the wheel in three parts. When the rudder is centered, you can fold the two sides in giving you one third of the wheel. In an emergency, you could steer with the wings folded in I suppose.

When you fold the two sides out there are two large plastic sections that you screw over the hing section to keep the wheel in one piece. Quite strong I think.

The wheel is covered with soft leather--very comfortable to use. And the Raymarine X-5 autopilot works fine with the folding wheel.

Although I have a much smaller cockpit I still fold the wheel when I put on the pedestal cover. Makes it much easier to handle.

Hope this helps.

Scott B · Nov 24, 2011

Had no issues with ours in 5 seasons.

I like the extra room in getting by the wheel, makes a difference if its not folded. We're anchored out most weekends, so pass through from the cockpit to the swim platform regularly.
We also have Raymarine Auto and works fine.

Only downside is I hit my hand on the open end of the threaded bar and got a nice slice, although it was only once in 5 seasons. I've seen a couple wheels with tennis balls to protect this from happening.

And yes it does work folded up, when you cast off the lines, push off, jump in and then realize the wheel is still folded....

KenG · Nov 24, 2011

For what its worth.
We rented a catalina 34 this september in Vancouver. It had a folding wheel. We were about 5 minutes from untying the dock lines and it had been raining. I slipped on the deck and my leg slid under the wheel, it was still folded and my shin slid hard right into the bottom edge of the wheel and cut it to the bone.I ended up getting 5 stiches in my leg.
Probably a one in a million fluke.
Needless to say we had the boat for 8 days and always keep the wheel in its operating possition.I was a little gun shy after that.

Ken13559 · Dec 2, 2011

Hannah Quinn said:
Thank you everyone for your input. I'm putting a new folding wheel on my Christmas wish list this year!

Suggest you take advantage of the folder by going for larger foldering wheel than your stock wheel. It allows you to sit by the side and still able to steer. My stock wheel was 32" and I changed to a 36" folder. Works great!

Rick Sylvester · Dec 4, 2011

I don't know. I never got those.

I mean, I just went to the St. Pete Show yesterday and EVERY new production boat seemed to have one.

In every instance it provided four sharp edges (two on a side) to get past. Like KenG says, owee.

We just remove ours. Quicker. More room. No sharp edges. Spend the $600+ on other stuff.

Am I missing something?

seadaddler · Dec 4, 2011

Great

I have the folding wheel on my 2007 H-36 and love it never had any problems and can steer the boat even if folded,go bigger and the is the nice thing is having a big wheel and than fold it making it easy to walk around it,never had any problems with it hurting but than again have had other injures on other parts of boat and sshit happens and on a boat if not careful shit happens but love the folding wheel.
Nick

Maine Sail · Dec 4, 2011

Would never go back to a regular wheel. We love ours..

Sailm8 · Dec 4, 2011

Rick Sylvester said:
I mean, I just went to the St. Pete Show yesterday and EVERY new production boat seemed to have one.

In every instance it provided four sharp edges (two on a side) to get past. Like KenG says, owee.

We just remove ours. Quicker. More room. No sharp edges. Spend the $600+ on other stuff.

Am I missing something?

I agree. How about one of these:
http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84_94&products_id=453

Rick Sylvester · Dec 6, 2011

Nah,

Sailm8 said:
I agree. How about one of these:
http://www.edsonmarine.com/marinestore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84_94&products_id=453

just two pieces of one-wrap velcro to attach it to the bimini frame.

Dude. Seriously. I am POOR.

Nodak7 · Dec 12, 2011

Have had one on both our boats and really really like it. Makes the cockpit much roomier and is out of the way. At night if there is an "issue" its there and ready to go! One less thing to worry about!

paul1938 · Dec 12, 2011

Have one on our 2005 Hunter 33, works well when open and out of the way when folded. the leather holds up very well. I wrapped the mid point with some whipping line so that I know by feel when the rudder is centered. Friend of mine got someone to put a turk's head knot on his center point. looks great.

Nodak7 · Mar 5, 2012

Hannah Quinn said:
Done! Bought and installed a new Lewmar folding wheel on the weekend. Went a little larger from the fixed 36" wheel to the 40" folding wheel. Wow a difference in the cockpit space.

Thanks for everyone's input.

I don't think you will regret it Hannah! I really like ours... I only wish I could be using it right now!!! Soon though!

Scott B · Mar 5, 2012

Hannah Quinn said:
Done! Bought and installed a new Lewmar folding wheel on the weekend. Went a little larger from the fixed 36" wheel to the 40" folding wheel. Wow a difference in the cockpit space.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Glad we could help..... that's what we're here for

joker460 · Mar 5, 2012

Kind of late to the discussion.

You could always try this new wheel from Edson.

If nothing else it will get some odd looks

http://www.seafaring.com/latsTV/productReviews.php?id=9&cat=

Lewmar folding wheel

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