[C320-list] Folding Steering Wheel

[Brian/Carol McLamb]

I also made this improvement.  Have had it for two years now and still love
it!  Agree with Dean about the convenience and steering possibilities.  My
autopilot connection adapted very well from the standard to the folding.  I
believe it is an Raymarine 4000, but have had it so long I am not certain
without reading the brochure!  Hope you enjoy the upgrade despite the
price.  After a few times of "lazerette diving" with the wheel folded you
will wonder why you waited so long.
Brian; s/v Serenity #1075

On Fri, Jun 19, 2015 at 9:38 AM, Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us> wrote:

> Hi Bruce,
>
> I recently upgraded to the Lewmar 40" folding wheel.  The upgrade is easy,
> but you need to make sure you have the straight/parallel hub on the wheel.
> You can order the wheel with both hubs (the Morris taper hub comes
> standard).
>
> On Moonstruck II (#847) the stock wheel, which was leather-wrapped, was
> getting nicked by the port settee whenever it was opened or closed.  The
> Lewmar wheel is swept back enough that that is no longer an issue.  It is
> easier to get around, even when not folded.
>
> The only problem that I ran into was with the mounting of the autohelm
> (Raymarine ST4000).  The spokes on the Lewmar wheel are thicker (larger
> diameter) than the spokes on the standard wheel. Also, as mentioned before,
> they are swept back a bit.  So, if you have the wheel autopilot, you need a
> different set of mounting brackets that are larger diameter and deeper.
> Defender sells sets of mounting brackets of all sizes.  However, one set is
> actually a set of all sizes for one spoke.  So, I needed three sets.  That
> adds up a bit, and you are buying a bunch of brackets when you can only use
> one from each set.  You may be able to find brackets elsewhere, such as
> eBay, for less.
>
> That having been said, the wheel is great!  The 40" is what you want,
> especially if you like to sit on the high or low side, rather than behind
> the wheel.  It has a great feel to it.
>
> Dean Vermeire
> Moonstruck II (#847)
>
> On 6/19/2015 8:24 AM, swampcreek42 wrote:
>
>> I am REALLY interested in getting a folding steering wheel. I'm wondering
>> if I should stay with the 40" diameter or maybe get something a little
>> smaller to make even more walk around clearance. What about offset as
>> opposed to flat like the stock wheel? This is a pricey upgrade so I think
>> it best to ask those of you who have pulled the trigger. Any advice or
>> pointers would be greatly appreciated!
>> Thanks,Bruce Hunter Nauti Time #719
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>