Welcome mate

I also just signed for the 3 year membership, after looking at the amount of information available I am extremely happy with the decision.

regards
Andred

I have just finished building a 42" with a teak rim. I would not reccomend going over the 42", you may interfer with things on the cockpit floor and your engine guages.

Destroyer wheels can be found at a lot of the surplus sites at a good deal. I have also see them on Ebay at fairly regular intervals. Also try [url]http://www.boaterbits.ca/[/url]

Ebay [url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Destroyer-Wheel-Straight-Hub-42-/320374341960?ha...

Tony,
We have a 40" on ours and most of the time when when we anchor I remover it and hang it on the side of our bimini frame. Unless there is bad weather coming in then it goes back on. It just makes it easier to get around in the cockpit.

Randy,
you probably have a picture that you posted but where did you wind up positioning the wheel on the Bimini?
regards,

Just curious, but would the weight of a larger wheel have any effect on the operation of a wheel-driven autopilot? I watch mine jerk the wheel back and forth and it would seem that a heavier wheel would put more stress on the drive mechanism. Of course, you fancy guys with below-deck pilots wouldn't have an issue.:p

Mike

Anyone try one of those folding wheels that stay on the shaft but fold in two? I tend not to take mine off because of the autohelm.

We've had the folding wheel for several years. Got it on a boat show special. Great investment. I must admit, however, that on at least one occasion, I've forgotten to unfold it while exiting the slip; that's not a good thing.:o

I like having the larger wheel. Gives me privacy when sailing:). It is not as if you do not have to walk around a smaller wheel... When racing it is great as the crew never get in my way, I am protected by the wheel. When crusing my wife can come back if she wants as there is no great rush to get anywhere. She does prefer the comfort of leaning against the aft end of the cabin with a couple of pillows... reading a book.:D.

Not sure if I would be all that keen on the folding ones... What are the increased odds of it "folding" just at the wrong time. :eek:

I'd say the chances of my wheel folding at the wrong time are pretty remote at best. There is a heavy plastic sleeve that threads across the split spoke, tying it together. While I guess it would be possible to break it somehow, I think the force needed would possibly bend a non-folding wheel as well, possibly rendering it unable to turn due to interference with the pedestal. Though I've never tried it.

I have my original wheel stored in the attic in case the folder broke, but I think it's time to put it up for sale and put some other useless item in it's place.

[QUOTE=ajcastagno;17481]My name is Tony I am new to this association, I recently signed up for the 3 year membership and am looking forward to getting theTech Notes CD. ...

BTW, this site has been a great resource, I look forward to learning more about these great boats.[/QUOTE]

Welcome to the Association, Tony. it is great to read that you and Andres agree with us that membership is a terrific investment in the enjoyment of your boat!

I have a folding wheel and we like it quite a bit. When it is folded it is about the same width as the pedestal making it considerably easier to move around. When it is open it is held open by threaded sleeves that make the wheel quite rigid. They are expensive though; I ran across mine on craigslist at such a good price that I bought it before I even had my boat.

Welcome to the association! I have learned a great deal on this site. Mine is an older boat as well, 1986. There is a great deal of documentation on this site for improving and maintaining the Mark I. Also a lot of smart/patient people who are generous with their knowledge and experience.

If you haven't located one, send me private message as I have one available.

Just so you all know, a 48 will fit.

I have a 42 - the price was right. I'd go bigger if the right deal came along for sure.