Steering Wheel

[Lost Parent]

I have a 300 inch wheel on my Catalina 30 and want to go smaller to make it easier to get around the wheel , any thoughts?

 

[Ken Cross]

Wow, you have a big wheel I didn't know they got that big.
I just have a little tiller.
Ken

 

[RuddyDuck]

You could look at a folding wheel for when at dock or mooring.

Ruddy duck

 

[Sailm8]

Edson also makes a device to allow you to remove your wheel and attach it somewhere else.

 

[CalebD]

A quick calculation says that a 300" wheel would have a diameter of nearly 8'. I doubt it is 300" in circumference.
I know that Catalina 30's are beamy but that is ridiculous.

 

[Lost Parent]

Ok 30 in

 

[gfrazzle]

Wheel

I put a Lewmar folding wheel (I think it was 36") on my Catalina 28. Worked great.

 

[JohnShannon]

Smaller wheel = higher steering effort due to less leverage
Something to keep in mind. Effort should be proportional to the diameter.

 

[Johnnie Walker Black]

It won't be much easier to get around a smaller wheel, and you'll regret it when sailing. Go with the folding wheel or the quick release if you must.
You'll still have to step up to get around the smaller fixed wheel.

 

[CalebD]

Ok 30 in

So we are talking 30" in diameter? circumference? radius?

 

[Joe]

You can purchase any size you want. There are plenty of resources online to find the one you want..... buy one and see how you like it. Or..... you could mock one up with cardboard or plywood and try it. (not under way, of course) In the end, it is you that will make the decision.... so don't be afraid to experiment and evaluate the changes objectively.... so you can go back to the original set up. Don't throw the old wheel away, btw.

When you say "easier to get around the wheel".... in what circumstance is the hindrance most annoying? Is it for crew movement, for the driver going over to adjust something, etc.? There may be other ergonomic or procedural changes that might make your cockpit mobility less critical to happy sailing.... moving the winches, for example, or your steering position (move to the side or sit in front, perhaps)

 

[Lost Parent]

Thanks all I think I will stay with the 30 inch diameter wheel and get a quick release for it

 

[Stu Jackson]

Lost, save yourself some BIG $$$. Just grease the nut that's there, it'll come off whenever you want. Saves about $100!!!