New Helm and wheel

[James S]

Finally got my new helm and wheel installed…..nothing is connected, but its all bolted down.
This turned into a bigger job then I counted on…again!!
My original plan was to keep the helm as small as possible, but ended up having to stretch the sides out to allow for a couple more instruments.
I also hoped to use the original wheel.

This helm tilts and locks at port, center and starboard.
That made getting all the dimensions right a real challenge….I have to be able to see the compass when seated so keeping it low was important, but needed clearance for my hands between the wheel and the seat/bench when tilted.

The original wheel turned out to be just a little too big, so I had to build a new one….When I drew the original wheel design, down sized…it just didn’t work for me so I came up with this (with some help from a friend)
You can see the big difference between the first go and the final…In the Skinny helm pic, you can see the original wheel I have already removed the SST outer ring.

Also had to extend/lengthen the inner workings of the old (now rejuvenated) Morse controls….had to add about 4”
All in all it was a lot tougher than I thought. But it’s coming out nice.