What is a Boat Steering Wheel?

 

A ship's wheel or boat's steering wheel moves the boat rudder which changes the direction of the vessel. This action is also what a tiller would do. The boat wheel is part of the entire steering system that can contain the pedestal, helm, helm controls, steering cables and other steering system parts. We carry many top-tier and popular brands for boat steering wheels including Schmitt & Ongaro, SeaStar Solutions, Edson, Sea-Dog, Uflex that offer a wide selection of replacement boat steering wheels to fit your boat.

 

What to consider when buying a ship steering wheel?

 

Is it time for a replacement boat steering wheel? If so Go2marine/ LFS carries a large assortment of ship steering wheels to fit all of your needs and tastes, from hard PVC, to the popular stainless steel boat steering wheel, we have you covered. Try to purchase a replacement boat steering wheel that is about the same diameter as your previous wheel and look at the taper of the mount (straight or angled) and the shaft size (typically 1” or ¾”). When purchasing a power boat steering wheel or a sailboat steering wheel, it is important to consider the different sizes before purchase -- while many select the popular 15" diameter marine steering wheel, others may prefer a different ship steering wheel size. At Go2Marine, we offer a wide selection of boat steering wheels ranging from 11" in diameter all the way up to 60".

 

The grip of the wheel is also important, if you are going to have the wheel exposed to waves and weather, consider a padded wheel or if you are going to be in cold weather a stainless steel wheel may feel cold to the touch and a wooden or vinyl wheel may be more comfortable. There are many unique styles available to outfit your boat from sporty to traditional boat wooden wheels.

 

Steering Wheel Parts and Systems

 

You can also upgrade your helm wheel with center caps or boat control knobs. With the various materials and designs available, adding a center cap to your replacement boat steering wheel can add a bit of flair. If you're looking for improved maneuverability, adding a control knob for your ship’s steering wheel is a perfect option. When selecting your ship steering wheel it is important to get one that is compatible with your marine vessel. When replacing marine steering wheels, as a boating enthusiasts and marine professionals you may also need parts for installation and repairs such as hydraulic or mechanical helms, steering cables or complete steering systems.