jordanclarke":38klffw7 said:
Hi there. Happy New year!!
I would like to add a seastar helm on the rear bulk head of my 22. Does anyone have pics of this on there boat. What size steering have you been using and do you find the height ok? Any tips or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Different boat (23 Venture) but here's a picture of my cockpit helm (not the best picture, but the only one I could find on short order). The second helm has been a life saver a couple of times when single handing the boat. I really really like it, especially for approaching moorages.
I would encourage you to think very carefully about the placement of the wheel and the controls.
I replaced the original wheel with a smaller diameter one because the original seemed to be in the way a lot, and installed a knob. (Knobs are the greatest idea since I don't know what.)
I moved the controls from the face of the console, where the factory had installed them, to the top of the console. Once (just once!) with the original set-up, I hit the shifter with my foot while exiting the cockpit with mooring lines in hand. A very exciting, not-to-be-repeated experience. In the new location, my knuckles would actually hit the bulkhead if I pushed the throttle full ahead, but I wanted the controls as much out of the road as possible. The window above the helm is also an opener, and unless it's all the way closed, or all the way open, it could interfere with easy throttle movement, but I've had no problems. Anyway, I hate to think what would be going on if I ever felt it necessary to hit WOT from the cockpit.
I also installed a kill switch at the second helm - which clearly should have been done at the factory.
Just some things to think about.
Good luck with your project. Post pictures when you're done!
On edit: Here's another picture (again not the best to show the helm). This is the original set-up with the larger wheel, face-mounted controls and no kill switch, but it gives a better view of the console.
