Larger steering wheel

[Mikex]

Hi all,
l am looking for a 20 inch steering wheel for our 26X , anyone know where l can purchase one .

Thanks,
Mike.

[Whipsyjac]

This website is one option:

http://www.supersail.com/large-wheel/

Good luck, I know I want one!

Willy

[captronr]

I have one of those and I'll sell it for $50. Since my boat came through SuperSport Marine, I assume that is what it is. My boat is an 02 and I replaced with OEM steering wheel 2 yrs ago.

Mine looks fine and is not bent up or anything.

Only issue (and I think they all must be that way, or someone pipe in) I have with it is the spokes are free to move some, so the wheel can move fore/aft some. There's no way to tighten them that I'm aware of as they appear free floating to me.

We found it was easier to move behind the pedestal with the smaller wheel.

PM me and I can send pics if you like.

Ron

[Mikex]

Thanks Willy & Ron - must be my lucky day, as I located one here on the Island. Haven't seen the condition of it yet but the price is right. Here's hoping!

Thanks again,
Mike

[kevinnem]

I have a larger wheel on my 26x, although I love that it makes me feel like I am driving a "big boat" it is in fact pretty annoying, trying to get around it is a royal pain in the butt. I anticipate I will be putting the small wheel back on this upcoming year.

kev.

[captronr]

Agree Kev--Getting around it was more trouble for us than it was worth.

A buddy did a mod to his X seat where he cut about 4" out of the base, then reglassed the front back on. Makes it easier to get around the pedestal now as you don't have the pinch point of the seat and base of the pedestal.

Ron

[K9Kampers]

... trying to get around it is a royal pain in the butt.

If a pain in the butt, turn around and face the wheel when passing around it!

I have an idea of making a quick release big wheel that attaches to the original wheel. Will need to be easy to mount / unmount. Would easily suit whomever is driving.

[Tomfoolery]

... trying to get around it is a royal pain in the butt.

I have an idea of making a quick release big wheel that attaches to the original wheel. Will need to be easy to mount / unmount. Would easily suit whomever is driving.

Or a baby version of the folding wheels used on larger boats. Those suckers are NOT cheap, either. In fact, a plain destroyer wheel of any decent size isn't cheap to start with.

I used to just take mine off and hang it on the rail when docked for the night somewhere other than my home marina. That was a different boat, not the one I have now. I don't know what it would take to make the wheel easily removable, but I wouldn't think it would be all that difficult.

[tlgibson97]

Maybe you could install a quick disconnect like they use on race cars. Push a button and it slides right off.

[Bassco66]

I find the 20 inch wheel very comfortable to use and aesthetically a better look than the 15 inch. For me I find sitting back in the stern rail seats, steering with one foot, very relaxing.

[BOAT]

Is that an auto pilot I spy on your wheel?

[Seapup]

Agree Kev--Getting around it was more trouble for us than it was worth.

A buddy did a mod to his X seat where he cut about 4" out of the base, then reglassed the front back on. Makes it easier to get around the pedestal now as you don't have the pinch point of the seat and base of the pedestal.

Ron

x2

I think if you don't do a seat modification it would be an issue. It also depends on how many people you are in the cockpit.

Without the seat there is ample room to get around it. I like the leverage and more sedate steering of the larger wheel better. Aesthetically I think the big wheel looks a little out of place on my boat, people have commented on it. I switched back and forth with the small one a couple times and the small one just seems too twitchy to me. Before I ordered one I made a plywood template and clamped it to the stock wheel to see how it would feel. Went with a 22" since it felt best to me.

Without the seat bottom the taller wheel lets me stand comfortably without bending over. I can also comfortably reach it to steer with one hand while reclined on the bench with my feet up on calm days. Last year I moved the pedestal up and back. I put a pad on top of the seatback and now I sit up there 99% of the time since it's comfortable and lets me see right over the roof.

[DaveB]

You have a Auto Pilot Raymarine fixed to your 20 inch wheel, this is nessary as the standard wheel is to small for fingers to wrap the wheel.
Proper steering unit on the mac. X is just fine with the standard wheel and one can easy go around it without jumping on the sitting area to get around.
I can't stand up under the Bimini of my X .
Dave

I find the 20 inch wheel very comfortable to use and aesthetically a better look than the 15 inch. For me I find sitting back in the stern rail seats, steering with one foot, very relaxing.

[Bassco66]

Hay ya Dave. On the I don't think I've ever gone around the helm without walking over the seats, even with the original wheel. The 15in is just to small with the auto helm. As fare as the Bimini is concerned, being vertically challenged it hasn't been a problem

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Maybe the Bimini is taller on an M. I'm not tall and I can't stand under my bimini on the 26X unless I want to turn into a hunchback or, I put the captain's seat up and stand on the back porch to steer...that is about right although may not work for taller folks.