Wheeling around....

[sailme88]

I was asked by the wife of a friend for advice on a leather wheel wrap.. This will be a Father's Day gift. I don't have any experience with wheel wraps but recognize there is plenty of knowledge here.
I've looked on line and found an overwhelming number of sites. Including the greatly over priced Edson.. So if you have acquired one that you are satisfied with , could you please share the vendor?

Thanks,

Rick

 

[jssailem]

What sort of image do you desire... Elk skin wrap, or sailor knot white line?

Custom Wheel Cover - Custom Marine Leather

www.custommarineleather.com

Wrapping Stainless Steel for Better Grip - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

 

[capta]

I've always wanted to do the hide wrap, but never really could justify the boat bucks.

 

[jssailem]

I think @Ward H did a wheel wrap project sometime last year. Perhaps he posted it. He went the rope tied direction.

 

[sailme88]

What sort of image do you desire... Elk skin wrap, or sailor knot white line?

Custom Wheel Cover - Custom Marine Leather

www.custommarineleather.com

Wrapping Stainless Steel for Better Grip - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

View attachment 204353 View attachment 204352

Thanks John

 

[Calif. Ted]

"French Braid" is what we called the method shown in John's pic that produces the spiral wrap, 2 lines going opposite produces a diamond pattern. Found an easier method that doesn't require you pass all the working line thru every turn. This is just loops from each side tightened on the next, I put them up for traction but wife Explained I should have done it so the smooth side was up, as She would prefer. Still took days and a blister on the index finger for a 40" wheel.

 

[sailcapt340]

I’ve used boatleather.com I met them at the Newport Boat Show years ago. They are very helpful with the set up and stitch work. They help guide you through the process. They are located in Seattle WA.
After I believe, it’s been 12 years, I am looking to redo my wheel now. So you have me thinking now.
Give them a look.

 

[Ward H]

I choked on the price of leather wheel wraps so I decided to do my own with Paracord. Here is the link to the thread @jssailem mentioned. Wheel Wrap
After two seasons of use it's still tight and I love it.

But not project to easily gift to someone.

 

[thinwater]

If it is a gift and he wants leather, I'd go with leather. Personal preference. I think we all agree a covered wheel is much nicer than cold stainless.

But I would also consider some sort of simple drop-on Sunbrella cover if the wheel is not under a bimini or hardtop. They can get kind of hard and ... weathered ... rather quickly. I cover my tiller every time, and when I had a wheel it was protected under a hard top. It's a shame to go to all that trouble and then have it become uncomfortable.

 

[sailcapt340]

I used a white paracord and for a braid that covers the centerline spoke on the wheel. I wrapped it from the center hub to wheel. And it does stay tight. For the very few times we sail at night it comes in handy. It’s an instant different feel to the wheel at any time, without looking.
I agree, this is a great gift to give someone. It really shows you care.
And be prepared, you will get a blister. Even with using sail gloves (which I wholeheartedly suggest). The stitches are tight.
I built a frame to hold the wheel in front of me while I was stitching it on. It helped a lot.
Now it sits in the basement and my wife hangs stuff on it to dry or just hold things.

 

[Richard19068]

I got mine from boatleather. The suede one with the foam. Pricey but it was a great improvement in wheel grip and comfort of steering. I love it and have had a lot of compliments on it.