Thoughts on folding wheels for the H33

[Maurice Doran]

I am a new 2005 - H33 owner and my boat doesn't have the Lewmar folding wheel. I am considering getting one (cough... expensive, cough...). So before I throw away my hard earned $$$$ I would like to know if these wheels are worth it and if there are any downsides to switching to a folding wheel. My other option is to get an Edson wheel "holder" and remove my wheel when I'm at anchor but I'm not a fan of taking the wheel on and off all the time.

Also, I didn't measure my wheel but it really blocks the way in and out of the cockpit. Anyone know the size of the standard wheel and has anyone switched to a smaller one?

Just wondering if there's a way to make it easier to step around the wheel.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Someone posted doing this as a "best project" in another thread.
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/best-project.182531/#post-1340561

 

[Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi]

I have the non-folding wheel in my 2003 H356. They started putting the folding wheels later. I've considered one, but they do stick out when folded and have some areas (there is a straight tube horizontal to the cockpit floor) that can snag you. Although it is a little tight getting by my standard wheel, it has not been a major problem in 1015 days on our boat sinc new in 2003. We enter from the stern off floating docks where I back into the slip. I don't take my wheel off. I would suggest you try it for a while before you buy one. They are pretty pricy and have a different set of problems. You may have a little less room than I do in the 356, so that could make a difference.

 

[seadaddler]

I have the Lewmar folding wheel came with my 2007 H-36 and it is very big and like when steering and really like when it is folded and when guest come aboard it really makes a big difference.
Nick

 

[Scott B]

We use the swim platform constantly on our boat ( same as yours 05 H33 ) and I can't imagine not having the folding wheel. It makes getting around in the cockpit so much easier. I did wack the back of my hand on it once ( in 8 yrs. ) and took a good gash from the edge, but that can easily be covered and I've not done it since.
You do also have to remember to unfold BEFORE leaving the slip. It becomes interesting manouvering with a partial wheel....

 

[Maurice Doran]

We use the swim platform constantly on our boat ( same as yours 05 H33 ) and I can't imagine not having the folding wheel. It makes getting around in the cockpit so much easier. I did wack the back of my hand on it once ( in 8 yrs. ) and took a good gash from the edge, but that can easily be covered and I've not done it since.
You do also have to remember to unfold BEFORE leaving the slip. It becomes interesting manouvering with a partial wheel....

You wouldn't happen to know the size of your folding wheel by any chance? I didn't measure mine and the boat's 2-1/2 hours away. Looks like I may be shopping a new wheel at the Toronto Boat Show in January.

 

[Scott B]

No, sorry. It came with the boat and never paid attention to the size. Just noticed you're in Kingston. Is that where the boat is located. We're in Parry Sound, which is a 3 hour drive from where we live, so won't be back up now until later in the winter to check on snow......

You could email Jamie Crane at Navy Point Yachts. He worked for both of the previous Hunter dealers and has sold a ton of them. He may remember. Or drop in and see him at the Boat Show. Sadly, there won'e be any Marlow-Hunters at the show.

 

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[Dave602]

We had a 42" factory wheel and replaced it with a 40" folding wheel. Best investment we made in the boat. Gives you soooo much more room to move around in the cockpit especially if you have autopilot you don't want to keep removing a fixed wheel

 

[Maurice Doran]

No, sorry. It came with the boat and never paid attention to the size. Just noticed you're in Kingston. Is that where the boat is located. We're in Parry Sound, which is a 3 hour drive from where we live, so won't be back up now until later in the winter to check on snow......

You could email Jamie Crane at Navy Point Yachts. He worked for both of the previous Hunter dealers and has sold a ton of them. He may remember. Or drop in and see him at the Boat Show. Sadly, there won'e be any Marlow-Hunters at the show.

We're in Kingston but the boat is in Montreal so we'll check up on it during the holidays. We'll be driving through town anyways so it's an easy stop. I may also contact Jamie Crane and ask what Hunter installed at the factory on the 33s.

Not surprised that Marlow-Hunter won't be at the TO boat show. They weren't at the Annapolis show either.

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Maurice Doran]

We had a 42" factory wheel and replaced it with a 40" folding wheel. Best investment we made in the boat. Gives you soooo much more room to move around in the cockpit especially if you have autopilot you don't want to keep removing a fixed wheel

Thanks for the feedback Dave. Sounds like the folding wheel is the way to go.

 

[chuckwayne]

we've also got the folding wheel on Escape and I wouldn't do without it! My preferred seating is to the side and it wasn't comfortable reaching for the standard wheel - went two inches larger with the folder and it's great, and still much easier to get around the wheel at anchor or docked. I'm not sure about the 33, but the 356 came with a 34" wheel.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Maurice Doran
My customers on the Hunter 33 preferred the folding wheel for the above reasons but I am retired and cannot remember the size. I took it to the Annapolis shows. Sorry but a good source is Al Fooks with the forum store who would be the best to get advice.

 

[Maurice Doran]

Maurice Doran
My customers on the Hunter 33 preferred the folding wheel for the above reasons but I am retired and cannot remember the size. I took it to the Annapolis shows. Sorry but a good source is Al Fooks with the forum store who would be the best to get advice.

Thanks Dave. I will follow up with Al.

 

[Ken13559]

On my h326(2002) and buddy's h33(2007) we uses 36" Lewmar folding wheel.
36" is just nice for me steer while leaning on one side against coaming. H326 has a wider cockpit to the h33. So you could go with 36", 34" or 32". My original fixed wheel was a 32". I think the h33 has a fixed 32" wheel as well. Bigger wheel looks nicer on a sailboat but of course it defeat purpose of folding if you still have to squeeze through.

 

[Mikem]

In port I just remove the wheel and stow it. I secure the key so it doesn't slide out when the wheel is removed. Much cheaper than the $800? folding wheel.

 

[Rick486]

I have the Lewmar wheel and like it. Only thing is that when folded there are pointy things sticking out. One party night a friend nearly speared his eye on one of the pointy things. I had a custom, padded cover built to cover the folded wheel and ensure nobody injured themselves.

 

[Maurice Doran]

Good to know! I did notice these wheels had some fairly aggressive corners when folded. It's something to consider for sure.