MacGregorSailors.com

What brand wheel did you go with? Any pictures you can post?

I just installed the 18" Destroyer wheel (the model previously mentioned in this thread), and found a good trick for getting the old wheel off.

Loosen the nut on the shaft as described previously (so you'll be able to whack it with a hammer without damaging the threads on the shaft), then straddle the wheel cowl facing aft, with the wheel itself resting on the front of your thighs and your butt against the pedestal. Use your legs to place a strain against the wheel, and whack the nut on the end of the shaft a couple of times with the hammer. You should feel the wheel "pop," and it will then slide right off once the nut is removed.

Admittedly, it looks a bit goofy, but it seems to work quite well.

PS. The cover on the hub of my original wheel (2003 26X, manufactured in 10/2002) was held in place with a setscrew.

I have installed the 22" wheel. I think it to be one of the best sailing mod's to date! The small wheel is too eazy to over correct & I can reach the wheel with out leaning forward when sitting or standing. The small prob. with getting around it is well worth it for me.

Sam

Hi Guys....Got my 18" wheel from go2marine and headed down to the marina over the weekend to install. Was prepared for a battle but no one showed up to fight.

All it took was a socket wrench, rubber mallet and a little tugging and the job was done.

Boy what a difference a couple of inches make. Now I'm wondering if I should have went to 20. Anyways, thanks for all the help.

Art

I order my 20" wheel from go2marine.com the other day. I can't wait to get it. Thanks for all the help.

Jeff

Installed my 18" wheel from gotomarine this week. Nice mod, especially with the ST4000 autopilot. No problem getting around the wheel. Really didn't even notice a difference.

The keyway on the new wheel was somehow just a bit smaller (shallower)than my original wheel. I had to file the key a bit to get it to fit.