Hi,
My dear wife took my delirious ramblings at face value and actually went out and got me the 32" Lewmar folding wheel for my 1999 26X for Christmas. 32" doesn't sound that big, that is until you see the thing in person. Its huge!!! And now I am faced with some problems I need some help with.
http://www.pyacht.net/cgi-local/SoftCar ... ?E+scstore
I know from the other users of this board that have purchased this wheel that it fits, but I am somewhat stumped on how to install itespecially so since my boat is stored several hours away from me and my 90 day return window is winding down. She got it with the two hubs (it says one fits 1 Morse Taper Shaft and the other 1 Parallel Shaft). So my questions are what type of shaft do we have? This is complicated by the fact that I have a SportPilot (standard, not plus). Any idea if it works with the SportPilot Shaft? Also, the wheel is heavy. Am I now in trouble with my already underpowered SportPilot?
Any help is most appreciated.
Lewmar 32" folding wheel questions
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ChrisNorton
- Engineer
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aya16
- Admiral
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We have a 3/4 tapered shaft on ours. The sport pilot came with a 1 inch adapter to fit our steering. it shouldnt be a problem just bolting up the wheel now. as far as under powered sport if you disconect your steering
the pilot should be able to handle the loads. I wouldnt use it when motoring
fast though. Even now with my pilot + I dont use it when Im motoring fast as the boat tends to wander side to side too much for the pilot to keep up when its not up on plane. it should bolt up to the pilot useing the tapered 1 inch you talked about
the pilot should be able to handle the loads. I wouldnt use it when motoring
fast though. Even now with my pilot + I dont use it when Im motoring fast as the boat tends to wander side to side too much for the pilot to keep up when its not up on plane. it should bolt up to the pilot useing the tapered 1 inch you talked about
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Terry
- Admiral
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- Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada. '03 26M - New Yamaha 70
Folding steering wheel
Someone else I know put a big 24" wheel on his "M" and now he cant get his gas tank seats raised above the steering wheel, 
not enough room. Personally I'd like to get a larger wheel but I am already too big to get around the pedestal and a larger wheel would only exagerate the problem. 
OTOH though, if I could get a folding one (not 32"though) I might be inclined to try it. 
not enough room. Personally I'd like to get a larger wheel but I am already too big to get around the pedestal and a larger wheel would only exagerate the problem. OTOH though, if I could get a folding one (not 32"though) I might be inclined to try it. -
Richard O'Brien
- Captain
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kmclemore
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Chris, I don't know if you've seen it, but Mike McGinn added a folding 32" to his MacX. There's pics there but not much description other than he had to make a bushing for it.
Maybe it's just me, but I can see myself either getting poked in the hip-bones or the shins with those pointy wheel ends, or else ramming my knees into that cross-bar. But then I'm a klutz - YMMV.
I *do* like the elk-hide on the wheel though... drool...
I rotated the one picture to make it easier to see:
Maybe it's just me, but I can see myself either getting poked in the hip-bones or the shins with those pointy wheel ends, or else ramming my knees into that cross-bar. But then I'm a klutz - YMMV.
I *do* like the elk-hide on the wheel though... drool...
I rotated the one picture to make it easier to see:
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Chip Hindes
- Admiral
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I'm with Richard.
And I've never heard of anyone installing this wheel on a Mac. (On edit) well, now that Kevin has posted a pic, I've seen one.
Have you checked to see if this monster will fit in between the seats? (On edit) Looks like it does, barely. Also looks like you won't be able to slide much more than a piece of paper past it when it's not folded.
When I was first contemplating a 22" wheel, I made a 22" cardboard template and taped it to the existing wheel, just to see if I was going to be able to live with it. I concluded that 22" was doable, but that even a 24" would be quite difficult. I recommend you try the same even before taking off the existing wheel. I'm pretty sure you'll find the 32" won't be too comfortable.
Even if the 32" will fit, I would hesitate to install it on my X. Reasoning is that you have to be able to get past the wheel, both forward and aft, when underway (i.e., without folding it). I can get past my 22" (barely) by swinging around it using the grab bar as pivot. Certainly, you won't be able to get past the 32" without climbing up on the seats. Are you willing to put up with this?
I should note as well that the hub on my X had a cast-in warning which says:
"Do Not Use a Wheel Larger than 16".
You can't see the warning until you get the stock wheel off. I assume this has to do with the fact that the bigger the wheel, the more torque you can generate; if you have an obstruction or the like, even a light touch can generate enough torque to damage the steering gear. I have the original Detmar R&P, and even though mine has been trouble free for five seasons, it's known to be fairly delicate and many have experienced failures, so I'm always conscious not to put too much muscle into it.
If I were you I'd trade it in on a smaller non folding wheel plus something else more useful. I understand this is a very delicate situation. Who in their right mind would discourage their spouse from indulging their delierious ramblings to this extent? Perhaps you can couch it in safety terms.
And I've never heard of anyone installing this wheel on a Mac. (On edit) well, now that Kevin has posted a pic, I've seen one.
Have you checked to see if this monster will fit in between the seats? (On edit) Looks like it does, barely. Also looks like you won't be able to slide much more than a piece of paper past it when it's not folded.
When I was first contemplating a 22" wheel, I made a 22" cardboard template and taped it to the existing wheel, just to see if I was going to be able to live with it. I concluded that 22" was doable, but that even a 24" would be quite difficult. I recommend you try the same even before taking off the existing wheel. I'm pretty sure you'll find the 32" won't be too comfortable.
Even if the 32" will fit, I would hesitate to install it on my X. Reasoning is that you have to be able to get past the wheel, both forward and aft, when underway (i.e., without folding it). I can get past my 22" (barely) by swinging around it using the grab bar as pivot. Certainly, you won't be able to get past the 32" without climbing up on the seats. Are you willing to put up with this?
I should note as well that the hub on my X had a cast-in warning which says:
"Do Not Use a Wheel Larger than 16".
You can't see the warning until you get the stock wheel off. I assume this has to do with the fact that the bigger the wheel, the more torque you can generate; if you have an obstruction or the like, even a light touch can generate enough torque to damage the steering gear. I have the original Detmar R&P, and even though mine has been trouble free for five seasons, it's known to be fairly delicate and many have experienced failures, so I'm always conscious not to put too much muscle into it.
If I were you I'd trade it in on a smaller non folding wheel plus something else more useful. I understand this is a very delicate situation. Who in their right mind would discourage their spouse from indulging their delierious ramblings to this extent? Perhaps you can couch it in safety terms.
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Jeff Ritsema
- First Officer
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Would like your thoughts on the wheels shown on the Go2Marine.com website where you can view the Schmitt steering wheels. They have 2 rather interesting wheels, the 5 spoke Helmsman and the 6 Spoke Helmsman wheels with paccawood handles. The 5 spoke is only 18" in outside spoke diameter and the 6 spoke is 24" in outside spoke diameter. I emailed Scmitt to confirm that their stated diameter is in reference to the spokes, not the inside SS ring. It seems to me that this might provide a "larger" wheel feel, yet providing a space to work past between the spokes. I've never worked a wheel like this on a sailboat, but the price is reasonable and it's kinda a throwback to the old salt. On the Odin, we have a problem going larger than the standard 14" wheel and yet opening the starboard lazarette. This would likely permit that. Wish I knew how to cut and paste the pics for you.
Thanks, Jeff.
Thanks, Jeff.
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Jack O'Brien
- Captain
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Wheel
IIRC RayMarine manual for the SportPilots says don't use bigger than 18".
Obviously, every time the pilot needs to move the wheel there is more mass to overcome.
Use this as your reason to the Admiral to return it. You didn't know about the warning.
Obviously, every time the pilot needs to move the wheel there is more mass to overcome.
Use this as your reason to the Admiral to return it. You didn't know about the warning.
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ChrisNorton
- Engineer
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- Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:54 am
Good points, all. I have been actually considering returning it before I have even seen it in the boat. It does cost $600 after all and while I appreciate the gesture from the wife, I could use that on some other more critical mods and upgrades. I'm also worried about it getting ripped off.
Having said that, I hate the small wheel on the boat. Chip, could you post a pick of your 22" wheel? Also, a link to where you bought it.
I knew it was going to restrict movement but quite honestly, I usually hop on the seats as I move about as my gut was already a challenge getting around the tiny wheel.
Oh....decisions, decisions. I guess I should take the trek out to Jersey and see what it looks like on the boat before I decide.
If I decide against it, is anybody interested in purchasing it? I would consider selling it for a slight discount rather than dealing with the return process.
Having said that, I hate the small wheel on the boat. Chip, could you post a pick of your 22" wheel? Also, a link to where you bought it.
I knew it was going to restrict movement but quite honestly, I usually hop on the seats as I move about as my gut was already a challenge getting around the tiny wheel.
Oh....decisions, decisions. I guess I should take the trek out to Jersey and see what it looks like on the boat before I decide.
If I decide against it, is anybody interested in purchasing it? I would consider selling it for a slight discount rather than dealing with the return process.
Might be interested
Chris,
I guess I have about everything else you could stick on a MAC & would really love a bigger wheel as I spend so much of my time under sail, so what the heck, I might be interested. My only concern is will it work with my 4000 MKII auto pilot. Note, I've already altered the angle of the stock wheel to make it a bit more upright. Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this wheel and a 4000 MK II autopilot? MM
I guess I have about everything else you could stick on a MAC & would really love a bigger wheel as I spend so much of my time under sail, so what the heck, I might be interested. My only concern is will it work with my 4000 MKII auto pilot. Note, I've already altered the angle of the stock wheel to make it a bit more upright. Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this wheel and a 4000 MK II autopilot? MM
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Catigale
- Site Admin
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It's a great start to your 40' Hinkley. Now just add the other parts one at a time.
I have the 22 inch wheel on my X and love it. I repeat Chip's note that the steering gear warns you not to use more than a 16 inch wheel.
I like it because you can stand at the helm and reach the wheel without having to bend down - it is harder to get around than the 16 inch of course but still ok with four people on board.
I dont have an autopilot so cant comment.
The Schmitt is about $100 IIRC....I think I would trade in that 32 inch for a 22 inch and have another 0.5 boat buck.
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Chip Hindes
- Admiral
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Heres a pretty good picture in connection with my ST4000 autopilot mod.
It's on sale at Defender right now for $800. You can tell your wife for only $250 more than she paid for the Lewmar folding wheel, you can get a much more appropriate wheel for the Mac that has an autopilot attached. After you attach it of course.
I got mine about eighteen months ago from a dealer who sold them on eBay; his eBay name is "sailorsauction". It originally appeared he had an endless supply of them; he put one on eBay every few weeks. I got it for the opening bid of $25; it was $51 U.S. including shipping and insurance from B.C. Canada, and when I looked at how much it cost the guy to send it, he was losing money on the shipping. Back in Novemeber 04 somebody contacted him directly and he agreed to sell them outright for $30 plus shipping. I think Catigale and several others got theirs that way.
He has a website here; you could search there or try his email and see if he has any left.
The wheel was new, made in China (just like the standard wheel). This is certainly a case of you get what you pay for. This wheel is obviously not heavy enough to be suitable for a real destroyer as some of them seem to be, but after having installed and used it for a season, I can guarantee you it's perfectly capable of ripping the steering gear out of the pedestal before it breaks. I'm quite happy with my purchase.
It's on sale at Defender right now for $800. You can tell your wife for only $250 more than she paid for the Lewmar folding wheel, you can get a much more appropriate wheel for the Mac that has an autopilot attached. After you attach it of course.
I got mine about eighteen months ago from a dealer who sold them on eBay; his eBay name is "sailorsauction". It originally appeared he had an endless supply of them; he put one on eBay every few weeks. I got it for the opening bid of $25; it was $51 U.S. including shipping and insurance from B.C. Canada, and when I looked at how much it cost the guy to send it, he was losing money on the shipping. Back in Novemeber 04 somebody contacted him directly and he agreed to sell them outright for $30 plus shipping. I think Catigale and several others got theirs that way.
He has a website here; you could search there or try his email and see if he has any left.
The wheel was new, made in China (just like the standard wheel). This is certainly a case of you get what you pay for. This wheel is obviously not heavy enough to be suitable for a real destroyer as some of them seem to be, but after having installed and used it for a season, I can guarantee you it's perfectly capable of ripping the steering gear out of the pedestal before it breaks. I'm quite happy with my purchase.
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Frank C
Re: Might be interested
Revisiting this year-old thread, & wondering what ever happened to that big Lewmar folding wheel???maddmike wrote:Chris,
I guess I have about everything else you could stick on a MAC & would really love a bigger wheel as I spend so much of my time under sail, so what the heck, I might be interested. My only concern is will it work with my 4000 MKII auto pilot. Note, I've already altered the angle of the stock wheel to make it a bit more upright. Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this wheel and a 4000 MK II autopilot? MM
More importantly, maddMike mentions he has adjusted the 26X wheel closer to vertical. I bought a spoked wooden wheel from go2marine, then suffered the "DUH! moment." A wooden wheel should be vertical, not angled at ~10 degrees. Also, since the wooden wheel is about 2 inches thick it sits closer to the pedestal than the destroyer wheel ... so the throttle shifter hits before reaching reverse gear.
(brigher side, oppty to reposition some gauges) 
Any ideas on methods to get the steering shaft horizontal (wheel vertical)?? For example, one could create a wedged foundation, under the pedestal, using redwood 2x4s ... but that would leave the pedestal oddly tilted aftwards. I suppose the other option is replacing the angled face of the pedestal with a plywood face that angles aft & repositions the entire steering rack ...
'Cockpit Mod' posted in 2004 by M. McGinn
