Biggest Wheel for an M

[delevi]

I'm curious to know how large of a wheel people have put on their I currently have an 18" wheel, which is a nice improvement to the stock 15" but larger would be better. I'm also considering getting an autopilot down the road and the 14" donut around the wheel, in my opinion, would not be comfortable to steer unless the wheel was 20-24" I know that this size may not allow the seats to lift, which give access to the fuel tanks. I recall seeing a collapsible wheel, perhaps on this board. Anyone have experience with one of those?

[They Theirs]

Delevi
32” 36” 40” wheel. I thought somewhere there is a warning not to increase the wheel size because of increased leverage on the steering gear assembly?





wheel replacement 32" by Mike McGinn

[Frank C]

Leon,

I ordered a 24" wheel, still awaiting delivery. I'm thinking it might be just a bit too large, but time will tell. Should be here this week - I'll let you know.

P.S. The Jack London boat show starts 12-Sep. This one is the combined sail/power show. There might be something to see in their tents.

[James V]

The maker of the stearing gears for the do not recommend anything over 16". I have an 18" and found it works well, a little better than the stock 16".

[Catigale]

Just put your hands one inch inside the spokes, James, and you will be fine

[Terry]

I just installed the donut autohelm on my 15" M wheel and it functions just fine, I have no problem with the small steering wheel but I did have a problem with the throttle handle clearing past the donut when shifting into reverse. I had to swivel the whole throttle assembly down a bit and cut a peice out of the handle to get it to clear the donut.
Considering the already small cockpit of the M I would be very hesitant about making it worse than it already is by putting in a larger wheel. I find it awkward enough maneuvering around crew and passengers with the stock pedestal and wheel. Someone at our dock put in the big 22" wheel and then could not get the seats all the way up and they were always having to step on the seats to move forward and aft. Sure it looks cool but it is not all that functional and as someone pointed out there will be more stress on the steering mechanism, if you really want a bigger wheel perhaps 18" would better fit the purpose. One more point, I have found that since we installed the autohelm that we spend much less time at the helm and holding the wheel, the autohelm does all the work and I don't think it really cares how big/small his wheel is and neither will you. My wife really likes the autohelm the most because it relieves her of her duties (she is at the helm 90% of the time, I work the sails), autohelm will pay for itself in the first season, you''ll see. The big wheel is not all that necsessary.

[delevi]

I ordered a 24" wheel, still awaiting delivery. I'm thinking it might be just a bit too large, but time will tell. Should be here this week - I'll let you know.

That would be awesome if it isn't too large. You're entering "real sailboat" wheel territory
You have a better chance with your to make the 24 incher work, since you have more sapce between the seats. I would be happy with a 22, but that may still not clear the seats of the

TT,
Thanks for the pics. That collapsible wheel would be ideal, but 32" minimum just isn't going to fit any Mac, except maybe Roger's

As for the warnings, I'm beyond that with the larger rudders
BTW. Arena Yachts will install an 18" wheel, but no larger. I believe stock is 15, not 16.

Leon

[James V]

I believe the stock is 15 3/4"

[mtc]

36" Whitlock Leather Wheel.








Makes for easy trim, comfortable sailing, and stows below during anchoring.

Michael

[mtc]

Delevi
32” 36” 40” wheel. I thought somewhere there is a warning not to increase the wheel size because of increased leverage on the steering gear assembly?

This warning is inscribed on the plastic housing for the steering gear assy mounted on the ped.

My take on it is that with the additional leverage afforded by the larger diameter wheels in addition to the greater mass on the wheel, the likelyhood of exceeding the gear's strength reaches a 'breaking point'

Throwing the wheel hard over lock to lock would be more likely to break the gears from weight and leverage.

I've used a couple of different wheels and find the 36" the perfect size for handling the boat. Much greater fine-tuning is possible and I can sit on the lee rail and hold the wheel comfortably.

I have plans on upgrading the steering assy to a stronger unit which will easliy handle the 'real' boat wheel.

Michael

[They Theirs]

Mtc
Looking foreword to seeing that big one on the pedestal!

[delevi]

MTC,

That's a great looking wheel, but how in the world did you get that to fit in your

[Catigale]

You just Dremel a groove into your seats...

[delevi]

You just Dremel a groove into your seats...

You can't be serious

[Catigale]