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 vela42 |
40" wheel |
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Posts: 16 03/14/08 10:35:28 |
Has anyone reduced the size of the wheel at their helm? Mine is 40" currently but i was thinking of something smaller (36-32) so I can maneuver around it
easier. I have a MK1 with the upgraded rudder. I understand I will loose the mechanical advantage the smaller I go. Also, If anyone knows where i can find
one to try before the purchase I purchase one that would be great.
Thanks, Jon |
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yorkrose |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 250 03/14/08 12:57:49 |
The wheel size is selected mainly to accommodate those who want to sit on the side while sailing. The wheel on the C42 is not really big enough for that, but
it looks sort of sailboat-y in any case. Our previous boat, a C400, had twin 32 inch wheels. The overall boat size and weight were very similar to the C42. The
gear ratio for the steering seemed about the same. The 32 inch wheels worked just fine.
For a quick test, try steering while moving your hand(s) inward along the spokes. If there is a need for the full mechanical advantage at the 40 inch rim, then something is wrong, probably too much weather helm. Regards, Gene Fuller Yorkshire Rose, C42 #870 |
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garrywillis |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 263 03/14/08 14:09:35 Moderator |
Jon,
Along Gene's line of thinking.....most folks want to go to a larger wheel (we have a 48" wheel) to enable sitting on the side while driving but in your case you want to go smaller for ease of access. Edson makes a 32" and a 36" wheel. They also make a wheel holder that allows you to remove your wheel and place it on this holder which attaches to one of your stanchions. Many folks do this and it is quick and easy. If you don't get the feel of the smaller wheel by driving inside along the spokes, perhaps one of your neighbors will allow you to borrow one of their smaller wheels to get a feel for it that way.
Garry
"Breezn" #502 2-Cabin |
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Doug Boyd |
Supplemental info . . . | #3 | ||
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Posts: 28 03/14/08 16:56:08 |
Greetings all,
For what it may be worth, we've had great success simply lashing our wheel to the vertical radar pylon at our stbd transom while anchored or moored. Costly, as the two foot length of line is valued at about six cents . . . we tried it prior to investing in a pricey stanchion-mounted shaft with elegant knurled knob . . . and never found it reasonable to upgrade. Cheers, Doug and Peggy Doug & Peggy,
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pwinterfeld |
Small Wheel | #4 | ||
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Posts: 103 03/14/08 17:58:59 |
As we get older its difficult to move around - I am in that position- I bought the easy to remove knurled knob from Edson and lash the wheel to the dodger
support with dock line - no need to spend money for the fancy wheel holder from Edson. However that does not solve the problem while underway - C'est la
Vie - under sail is easy to steer and I imagine that a smaller wheel would work fine - but under power - it takes some effort. Why not borrow a wheel from
someone on your dock and try it both ways - under power and under sail?? The folding wheel is not the answer because it does not solve the problem while
underway - I borrowed one and did not like it (Actually I bought it and returned it) So for now the only solution is to remove it and tie the wheel to the
dodger supports while at anchor or in the slip. But I will check at Winneys in Newport Beach - may they can sell me a salvaged wheel at a substantial price
reduction
Peter C'est la Vie Hull #746 |
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tomca |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 76 03/15/08 17:44:36 |
Garry,
Quick question. Did you have to modify anything on the pedestal to fit the 48" wheel. If I remember correctly when I measured I found only to have room to fit a 44" wheel due to interference with the lower leg of the pedestal right under the gauge housing. I would love to have the 48" wheel so I can sit on the rail and steer. Thanks
Tom
Maxwell #766 2-cabin Pullman Dana Point, CA |
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melelana |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 323 03/16/08 10:16:15 |
garrywillis wrote: Gary, Any pictures with your 48" wheel. I'd love to have one, but don't think there's clearance on Melelana, especially with a cockpit grate in place.
Larry
Melelana Catalina 42 #175 1990 3cbn, wk Solomons, MD |
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sailordan2 |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 13 03/16/08 19:44:26 |
Has any else had good/bad experience with the folding wheels?
Sailor Dan
SV Lydia Grace C42 #429 |
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Sandy Golden |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 13 03/17/08 05:01:21 |
We have the folding wheel. It came with new boat purchase. We love it and think it well worth it.Only takes seconds to fold or unfold. When unfolded, it is as
solid as a non folding wheel. When folded, its simply not in the way. Since its wrapped, I don't have to wear gloves to keep fingers warm.
Sandy Sweet Angel Hull 974 |
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jerrygagerman |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 70 03/17/08 07:53:56 |
I purchased the folding wheel two years ago at Strictly Sail in Chicago. Couldn't be happier.
Jerry Gagerman Mk I C42 #431 Current Sea |
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garrywillis |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 263 03/17/08 09:13:32 Moderator |
The 48" wheel fits just fine and I don't have grates in the cockpit nor does it interfere with the pedestal leg. I have about a 2" to 3"
clearance off the cockpit sole (I'll have to measure for exact). Edson also makes another style of wheel which is not perfectly round but kind of squared
off that you put to one side or another for easy access.
http://www.edsonmarine.com/newproducts/accesswheel.php
Garry
"Breezn" #502 2-Cabin |
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