Steering wheel question

[jmkinsfbay]

I have a 2006 343, with a 36" wheel. Wheel dia. = 36" (91+cm). Central hub is 3.5" (8.9cm) with 5 bolts. Wheel has 5 spokes, and autopilot attached.
I would like to install a 28" (71cm) - 30" (76cm) wheel - is there such a thing available, and if so, does anybody have experience in installing said new wheel?
Many thanks.

 

[markwbird]

I assume that you are doing this to allow more room to move around. Before you do this; have you ever sailed a boat that size with the smaller wheel. I have and I did not like it. Terrible feel to the helm.

 

[Rob2435]

They make folding wheels. Once you get to where you are going, the two sides can be folded inward. http://www.lewmar.com/products.asp?id=8538&channel=1

 

[JohnShannon]

How is the helm effort with the present wheel? On my boat sometimes I am tugging almost as hard as I can. So a smaller wheel = more steering effort 28 to 36 ups the effort by about 30%

 

[DougM]

Personally, I would think that there would be more disadvantages than advantages to a smaller diameter wheel. In addition to an increase in steering effort,you would lose the ability to sit to one side or the other to compensate for the heel of the boat, or to gain forward visibility. if you decide to make the change, the wheel brand Is Goiot, and the change would be a simple matter of undoing the 5 bolts around the hub and switching the wheel.

I have a 323, and for a long time I was contemplating the idea of fitting at least a 42 inch wheel so that I could sit outboard further, even though it would be more difficult to move around it. I never got around to doing any actual measuring though.

 

[jmkinsfbay]

Thanks

I assume that you are doing this to allow more room to move around. Before you do this; have you ever sailed a boat that size with the smaller wheel. I have and I did not like it. Terrible feel to the helm.

When I'm soloing or things get exciting, that extra few seconds to squeeze around the wheel is alarming and a bit difficult. The steering is real easy right now, so dropping down to a
32" wheel should not give the helm too much of a bad feel.
Jerry

 

[jmkinsfbay]

Thanks

How is the helm effort with the present wheel? On my boat sometimes I am tugging almost as hard as I can. So a smaller wheel = more steering effort 28 to 36 ups the effort by about 30%

When I'm soloing or things get exciting, that extra few seconds to squeeze around the wheel is alarming and a bit difficult. The steering is real easy right now, so dropping down to a
32" wheel should not give the helm too much of a bad feel.
Jerry

 

[jmkinsfbay]

Thanks

They make folding wheels. Once you get to where you are going, the two sides can be folded inward. http://www.lewmar.com/products.asp?id=8538&channel=1

My wheel turns sideways once I "get to where I'm going". It's while underway that there's a problem.
When I'm soloing or things get exciting, that extra few seconds to squeeze around the wheel is alarming and a bit difficult. The steering is real easy right now, so dropping down to a
32" wheel should not give the helm too much of a bad feel.
Jerry

 

[jmkinsfbay]

Thanks

Personally, I would think that there would be more disadvantages than advantages to a smaller diameter wheel. In addition to an increase in steering effort,you would lose the ability to sit to one side or the other to compensate for the heel of the boat, or to gain forward visibility. if you decide to make the change, the wheel brand Is Goiot, and the change would be a simple matter of undoing the 5 bolts around the hub and switching the wheel.

I have a 323, and for a long time I was contemplating the idea of fitting at least a 42 inch wheel so that I could sit outboard further, even though it would be more difficult to move around it. I never got around to doing any actual measuring though.

Well, if I had anything larger than the 36" wheel, I'd have to hop up onto the lazarette and/or over somebody's lap if I needed to get to the sail controls quickly.
When I'm soloing or things get exciting, that extra few seconds to squeeze around the wheel is alarming and a bit difficult. The steering is real easy right now, so dropping down to a
32" wheel should not give the helm too much of a bad feel.
Jerry

 

[watercayman]

When I'm soloing or things get exciting, that extra few seconds to squeeze around the wheel is alarming and a bit difficult.
Jerry

I understand what you're saying and sympathize. Rather than changing wheels, I've just learned to steer from the front side when things get hairy. Or if I'm tacking and need to be manning the lines at the same time. It works very well, and allows me to keep it easy, even in rough times solo.

I had a friend with a similar size boat and sailed it many times prior to his changing to a smaller wheel - I believe he switched from a 36" to a 30" or even a 28". I think he was happy with it for the reasons you mention, but from a neutral person's view (mine), it was terrible. Like going from power steering in a car to non-power - plus the loss of feel for the rudder.

I don't recommend.

 

[jmkinsfbay]

Thanks

I understand what you're saying and sympathize. Rather than changing wheels, I've just learned to steer from the front side when things get hairy. Or if I'm tacking and need to be manning the lines at the same time. It works very well, and allows me to keep it easy, even in rough times solo.

I had a friend with a similar size boat and sailed it many times prior to his changing to a smaller wheel - I believe he switched from a 36" to a 30" or even a 28". I think he was happy with it for the reasons you mention, but from a neutral person's view (mine), it was terrible. Like going from power steering in a car to non-power - plus the loss of feel for the rudder.

I don't recommend.

I've got a line on a 32" wheel that I'll probably try, but keep the 36 until I'm sure that the 32 will feel okay. I think that extra 2" on each side might do the trick.
Jerry