[C320-list] Folding Steering Wheel

[swampcreek42]

 Think I like the idea of a smaller wheel but the closest  size down is a 36" which might be too small. We don't have an autopilot yet but that's a possibility in the future so I imagine the 40" might be the only option. 
Bruce Hunter Nauti Time #719 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

-------- Original message --------
From: Elizabeth Schwartz <schwartz781 at optonline.net> 
Date: 06/19/2015  1:03 PM  (GMT-05:00) 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Cc: "C320-List at Catalina320.com" <C320-List at catalina320.com> 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Folding Steering Wheel 

Ahoy.....40 inch folding wheel was the first upgrade I made to the boat. 
We back into a slip.....move around the wheel alot....in retrospect....I 
would get the 38 inch wheel.....I have no trouble reaching an inch 
beyond the 40 when sitting on the coaming...an extra inch less to move 
around would be nice....when folded...usually one side..we leave the top 
of the wheel outboard a wee bit. Initially with it straight, we would 
hit the lower hinge with our legs.....Joe n Beth...#245


On Fri, Jun 19, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Brian/Carol McLamb wrote:

> 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  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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>