Remember you want knee clearance around the wheel for people moving forward past it. This is one thing a lot of newer production boats with oversized wheels have overlooked. And, as much as I like Lewmar, I do not like the folding gate wheel. I just don't trust it in the worst of conditions. It make be strong enough but with so many moving parts something is bound to be more vulnerable than with a solid wheel. And then there is the cost!
If you're reusing your old wheel, mount it to the pedestal and stand the whole thing in place. If you're getting a new one, seek the middle ground-- not some little 18-24" wheel and not so big as 44" or so. We had a really nice 40" wheel on our Raider when the spec was for 36". Moreover we had it geared like a tiller or F-1 car in that one quick move put the rudder half over. It was like 2-1/2 turns lock-to-lock, which was great for weird fluky weather racing on the river.
Hank Keene at Edson will be a good one to phone to ask if you have questions, especially about the rigging under the sole. (Tell him I sent you.)
Remember you're going to need a major backing plate-- as big in diameter as you dare to make it-- and remember to epoxy-treat all the holes before installing the bolts. Most cockpit soles rot out because the pedestal works back and forth from use and the bedding dries out-- and then it will rot out again when the next guy uses the wrong stuff. This should be only 5200.
Just one more reason I am happy to have a tiller-- my ancient cockpit sole is still pristine.
