SO 439 - Steering Wheel size and possible replacement

[ohana]

Hi,

Maybe this is lockdown dreaming (while the boat is ashore and waiting for COVID 19 lockdown to be relaxed!) but I have found over the past 2 years of owning this boat that the steering wheels on my SO439 are a tad small, making helming harder work and more tiring than I am used to. I understand all the issues re sail balance etc to reduce the steering load, and address this with sail trim, but cant help thinking that larger wheels would make a big difference. 

Current wheels are lewmar, not sure of the exact size as cannot access the boat!

Has any one else done this, have any advice?

Thanks

[puravida35]

I was wondering the same thing while at my boat this past weekend. I didn’t take any measurements, but it looked like the proximity of the port and stbd side seats (covering the line compartment) limit the size of the wheel. I can take measurements while at the boat next time (later this week).  Wheel could possibly be a couple of inches larger before creating a hand-trap against the side seat.

Here’s a photo from marketing brochure that kind of shows the limitation.

[ohana]

Thanks, look forward to your further comments once you have been to the boat.

Part of the existing problem is that the wheels are currently covered with a smooth type leather, which is not very grippy. A suede type leather finish gives much better grip. Another possibility might be to add a closed cell foam to fit under a new leather cover, to make for easier grip.    boatleather.com/product/boatleather-wheel-covers/

[jdl01]

Another dimension to consider in choosing wheel size is the gap between the wheel rim and the instrument pod on the cockpit table. I have to pay attention to the gap size when trying to go forward from the wheel to the bridgedeck with the boat heeled over 15%.

[puravida35]

While at the boat recently, I measured the gap between the wheel and the side seat. It is 2 inches... so not much room for a larger wheel.

[ohana]

OK, thanks. As you say, larger wheel is not an option. I may yet try recovering the wheels with the padded grip as mentioned in earlier post

[puravida35]

I’d be interested in hearing how that works out. A different finish would probably help.

[ohana]

Will let you know. The product from the USA supplier, boat leather (link above) is expensive, so I have sent an enquiry to a local company here in Scotland called Clyde Leather. I have used them before, good product, and I have asked if they can supply a wider leather cover which would wrap over the foam.

[Don Reaves]

May 5, 2020 19:00:25 GMT ohana said:

Thanks, look forward to your further comments once you have been to the boat.

Part of the existing problem is that the wheels are currently covered with a smooth type leather, which is not very grippy. A suede type leather finish gives much better grip. Another possibility might be to add a closed cell foam to fit under a new leather cover, to make for easier grip.    boatleather.com/product/boatleather-wheel-covers/

I discovered quite by accident that you can convert at least some smooth-type leathers into suede-type leather using a power washer. The conversion was furthered by the friction that occurred with the close-fitting Sunbrella pedestal cover that I had made. I suspect this conversion was due to using a poor quality leather, since I have seen many older leather wheel covers that looked good as new, while mine lasted only about 10 years.

I finally removed the leather and replaced it with a paracord wrapping, which gives a fantastic grip. It cost about $30 US in paracord, took a few hours to do the wrap, plus about a year to recover from the case of tennis elbow I developed from pulling the hundreds of knots tight.

[jdl01]

I wear a pair of very light sailing gloves with fine leather palms [for uv protection]. They happen to provide enhanced grip on the factory wheel wrap installed on the 9 series boats. It's worth a try.

[aviator77x]

What is the size of the original 349 wheel? have not gotten my boat yet but I'm already looking for replacements

[aviator77x]

As there was no replies, Ill write the answer here: 800mm

[ohana]

Hi all, apologies I never provided an update - I recovered the wheels with 10mm foam then a suede leather outer cover. Really pleased with the results, the wheels are far easier to grip and look great. 

I sourced the foam from a UK foam supplier in a strip form with self adhesive backing. THe leather was made for me to size by Seadogs Leather in Falmouth UK (where I am based). I fitted them myself.  All as per this approach  boatleather.com/product/boatleather-wheel-covers/