knot top dead center of steering wheel?

[MVNightWatch]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

It id s worth initially using tape to ensure it is in the right place. Most boats require some windward tiller when on the wind (creates some keel lift). Usually between 5 & 10 deg. You could then use 2 knots one for each tack. Off the wind you would be in the middle.

Sorry, I disagree with multiple knots on the wheel. The purpose is to find rudder amidships. Multiple knots just confuse the issue. Every wind and tide state demands its own adjustment. Also, the palpable knot bumping against my hand as the wheel turns removes the need to look, so I’m free to watch course. If you know how many turns lock-to-lock, you’ll know where your rudder is.

[Suijin]

I had a turks head knot TDC on my wheel. Took forever to figure out how to tie it.

Then I rebuilt the steering pedestal and forgot to center the wheel and sprocket when I reassembled it.

Now I have a few wraps of riggers tape.

I really need to do that knot again, it made me smile. Largely from the memory of what a PITA it was to get right lol.

[Capt Ben]

I enjoy have a turks head @ TDC of my wheel. As others have said, the feel without having to look at the wheel is always informative. RE other markings, I have found that with my 43" Edson Destroyer wheel, that ever spoke is about 4° of rudder angle. According to Dennis Conner, that is just about ideal rudder angle to generate lift without drag. In this manner, whether I'm at the wheel or the autopilot is steering, I'm able to see if the sails require trimming.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by FabioC

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A related question: do you use additional markers on the wheel? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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That's what the spokes are for.

[FabioC]

Originally Posted by peteh007

Check this out for a plethora of great ideas to mark the top of your Wheel...

The paracord wrap is pretty cool. Has anybody tried it? How does it feel on your hands?
I was thinking of a turks head on the center and two wraps at some degrees on either side, which would solve the issue of having multiple identical "bumps" to confuse you.
Is the wrap in the video an accepted sea knot or is there a version that an old salt would use instead?

[fish53]

When in a slip or anywhere just before getting underway turn your wheel lock to lock and count the turns and center it, it's good practice to make sure the steering works properly before taking lines off. If your already underway just put her in gear she'll tell you, you don't need any string or tape.

[manawa]

I'm with nightwatch on this; one knot at tdc. You want your rudder centred and neutral, in fact I went for a dive and made sure the rudder was centred, then marked the wheel. All other adjustments, weather helm, slippage, course steered etc, happen accordingly. Fair winds.

[Macblaze]

And make sure you make it a funky colour! It only took me one try. I like the knot because i steer in reverse with my back to the wheel...it make it easy to tell when the helm is centered.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Macblaze

And make sure you make it a funky colour! It only took me one try. I like the knot because i steer in reverse with my back to the wheel...it make it easy to tell when the helm is centered.

Nice work! I'm going to give it a try once I'm back onboard (along with ~25 other tasks ). Tired of having to replace tape & zip-ties. Mine needs to straddle a wheel spoke so hopefully it'll go as well as yours did.

[SV_Harbinger]

I happen to love the look of French Whipping, it's been applied to lots of things, not just my helm, even the handles of some of my coffee mugs, looks salty, maybe not as salty as a Turks head, but is definitely easier to do.
But for years a piece of E tape did the job just as effectively (if less attractively) and does have to replaced from time to time.

[CaptNemoO2]

It took me a few tries to get it, but then I realized I was grabbing the wrong end of the line when I started the knot. The problem with twin helms, had to that and the leather twice!

[Mauruuru]

I just use a couple turns of white rigging tape on the spoke next to the wheel and my fingers always know where TDC is even without looking

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by Mauruuru

I just use a couple turns of white rigging tape on the spoke next to the wheel and my fingers always know where TDC is even without looking

But is it pretty?

[gonesail]

piece of blue tape on the top spoke for me.

[GILow]

French whipping at 10 and 2. Lovely place to rest your hands to stop them slipping, particularly if the wheel (stainless) is wet.