folding wheel

[so36idavid]

Has anyone put a folding wheel on a 36i? I'd love to be able to free up the walkway while at anchor, dancing around the wheel is a bit of a pain. I'm thinking of putting on a Lewmar folding wheel, anyone have anything bad to say about it?

Thanks
David

[oasis36i]

I don't have a folding wheel, but do have the large removeable option from Jeanneau. At first, I was wary of this, but it has proved to be excellent. It is easy enough to remove at anchor and mount on the supplied boss fixed to the pushpin. It completely frees up the cockpit. Just another option. Ian

[so36idavid]

Thanks Ian,

That's definitely an option to think about. My concern is where would I put the wheel when we're tied up at the dock with the covers on. I don't want to leave it on the rail where it might be "lifted". I guess I could put it below. What do you do with it?

Thanks
David

[oasis36i]

David

My routine is to leave the wheel in place on the steering pedestal when leaving the boat. My binnacle cover goes over the wheel, instruments and table. I only move the wheel to the guard rail when I am on the boat and tied up to a pontoon or mooring. It isn't a huge chore and does completely free up the space for lifting the dinghy out of the locker (which is a chore). I wouldn't remove the wheel at anchor, though, as it is not that quick to fit.

Ian

[so36idavid]

Ian,

Thanks for the feedback. That doesn't sound ideal for my use. We tie stern-to the dock so people are constantly squeezing by the wheel when tied up, and the #1 time I'd like more room is when we're at anchor and just generally moving around the cockpit.