Lewmar 32" folding wheel questions

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ssichler
First Officer
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Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 9:22 am
Location: Redondo Beach, CA 06 M 60hp E-Tec

Post by ssichler »

The standard wheel does make me feel like I'm driving a low-rider with one of those tiny chain steering wheel.
MMMike
Deckhand
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2004 11:11 am
Location: Narr. Bay R.I.

Wheel

Post by MMMike »

I never said I adjusted the wheel from vertical. Don't know where that came from.
I have added an autopilot. Turns fine. The Raymarine autopilot does hang up. Belt get stuck on the drum. Raymarine does say to rinse it after use.
Tough to do off a mooring.
I did have to make a bushing as both hubs supplied did not match the shaft.

I did have to move the shift lever as it hit the autopilot.
Yes I do love the wheel.

I sail alone alot. So most of my mods are for that.

self tailing winches on the stern
double main sheets ( one can be moved to be a preventer)
all lines led aft
double jiffey reefing
lazy jacks
chute scoop and ATN tacker
new full battered main
Tick Tack wireless gauges


MMMike
Frank C

Re: Might be interested

Post by Frank C »

maddmike wrote:Chris,
I guess I have about everything else you could stick on a MAC & would really love a bigger wheel as I spend so much of my time under sail, so what the heck, I might be interested. My only concern is will it work with my 4000 MKII auto pilot. Note, I've already altered the angle of the stock wheel to make it a bit more upright. Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this wheel and a 4000 MK II autopilot? MM
MMMike ... you must be Mike McGinn? Congrats on some nice mods, especially ST winches & wireless instruments! When sailing alone you must obviously just hop up on the seats to get from "lines aft" trimmer's position to the helm seat, eh?

And yes, I was curious if you had tried to set your wheel to vertical, but the quoted post (maddMike's) was the one I referred to earlier -- he HAS adjusted the wheel's position. I have a wood-spoked wheel, and I'd like to adjust it to plumb. I think I know all of the changes that will require.
eric3a

Post by eric3a »

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Last edited by eric3a on Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Matt19020
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
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Post by Matt19020 »

I just installed a Edson 28" wheel today. I used the adapter below and a Dremal tool to "fit" it onto the shaft (about 20min).
I am working with a 2007 M. I am not sure if other shaft sizes are the same. I need to make a custom key to fit in the slot but it appears that it should work properly when done.

http://www.sailorsams.com/mall/steering_wheel.asp
BI-185010 Destroyer Steering Wheel
Hub Adaptor
$ 14.27
Tapered Shaft, Brass (DESTROYER)
(Note 1: adapts a 3/4" tapered shaft to be 1" diameter, thus accommodating the above listed Steering Wheels)

&

Defender: http://tinyurl.com/2gptlb
Edson Steering Wheel Nut
316 Stainless steel
For 1", 5/8", 1/2" and 12 mm shaft threads
Item #: 300024
Manufacturer: EDSON
Model #: 673ST-KIT
Shipping Weight: 1.00 Lbs.
deja_vu
Chief Steward
Posts: 97
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2006 3:16 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT '07 26M Merc 60BF "SnowDrifter"

Post by deja_vu »

I'd love to see pictures of that. I've got a 2007 M, with the new pedestal, and have been thinking of some sort of bigger wheel, but that one has to be a tight fit to get around the cockpit. Bet it will be wonderful for sailing though.
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Matt19020
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Post by Matt19020 »

I will see if I can post some pics over the next day or so. I do not have the key made yet but you should get the general idea on the install.
It will be a snug fit ... A 26" may be a little better but my plans were to take the wheel off when at dock or refueling.
Since the Edson shaft thread adapter bushing is plastic I am not comfortable with taking it on and off continuously. I decided I will put access hatches in the seats to refuel. I hope to make a brass adapter to replace the plastic one in the future...when I do, I will be able to remove the wheel for easier access.
eric3a

Post by eric3a »

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Last edited by eric3a on Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Jeff Ritsema
First Officer
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Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Post by Jeff Ritsema »

In the FWIW department, here is a pic of another wheel idea that I have really loved. I have the advantage of the larger diameter wheel, given the reach of the teak "spokes", but yet the wheel is proportionately smaller and that fits the look of the boat and the helm, as well as the function. They are warmer to the touch on a cold Michigan morn than the SS wheels I have had in the past. I can sit to the side and steer with my toes while sipping a cold one on a warm Michigan noonday. Need I say more?

Image
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Matt19020
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
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Post by Matt19020 »

Here are the pics of the wheel install as requested:

There is about 6 1/2" Clearence to seats with the 28" Wheel
Image

There should still be enough lift of the seats to add fuel if you need to without taking off the wheel
Image
Image

Unfinished install
Image
Top side of bushing where new key will fit, also Edson Thread adapter
Image
Bottom side of bushing where the factory key sits, also Edson Thread adapter

Image
eric3a

Post by eric3a »

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Last edited by eric3a on Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Highlander
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Post by Highlander »

Hope you have the other two mounting bolts for that adj. helm mounting brkt

John
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Matt19020
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Post by Matt19020 »

Highlander wrote:Hope you have the other two mounting bolts for that adj. helm mounting brkt

John
I still need to hook up the rest of the console and throttle controls. I will button it up at that time .....thanks
ChrisNorton
Engineer
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Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:54 am

Post by ChrisNorton »

I returned the 32" folding wheel and got a 22 inch instead. Used it for most of last season and love it. I got it on ebay cheap.

Now I need to figure out how to get the slop out of my stock steering cheaply and with minimal effort. Any suggestions?
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