Wheel position in the cockpit

[David56]

As I continue my increasingly complex search for my next boat, A new issue has me scratching my head.
Why all the seemingly different helm wheel layouts, positions and sizes. Sizes I get, but positions no.
I saw one today that was tilted back at about 10deg?
Some are set so far back I can't imagine using it, others are too far forward which would mean standing only.
I am sure there are good reasons for each set-out, but I would like to know.

What would be the rule of thumb for comfortable sailing when on the helm for some time.
Just asking.
Cheers

[psk125]

People often steer sitting outboard, perhaps even on the cockpit coaming, so they can see the telltales. The wheel can then be forward, which might put the helmsman in the shelter of a dodger or the cabin trunk. Moving the wheel forward also makes room for the spinnaker trimmers aft, and might help separate the jib sheets and spinnaker sheets in the cockpit. It is also handy for the cook to pass things like hot soup or coffee up to the helmsman, especially when there's no one else on watch.

[roverhi]

The wheel on the Pearson 35 is forward in the cockpit. Was a little leery of the location at first but grew to like it. Coming out of the companionway, the pedestal guard was a great handhold. The forward location gave protection under the dodger and made it really easy to single hand with the sheet winches right there. Only negative was the wheel blocked access to the rear but it was not much of an inconvenience as the bridge deck meant you couldn't step directly from the companionway to the cockpit sole and you were already standing on the cockpit seats so could easily move aft to where you could step down to the cockpit sole while holding onto the wheel or pedestal guard.

Still couldn't stand the damn wheel so tossed it and installed a tiller. The helm position is almost the same as the wheel and so much easier to control the boat.

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by roverhi

The wheel on the Pearson 35 is forward in the cockpit. Was a little leery of the location at first but grew to like it. Coming out of the companionway, the pedestal guard was a great handhold. The forward location gave protection under the dodger and made it really easy to single hand with the sheet winches right there. Only negative was the wheel blocked access to the rear but it was not much of an inconvenience as the bridge deck meant you couldn't step directly from the companionway to the cockpit sole and you were already standing on the cockpit seats so could easily move aft to where you could step down to the cockpit sole while holding onto the wheel or pedestal guard.

Still couldn't stand the damn wheel so tossed it and installed a tiller. The helm position is almost the same as the wheel and so much easier to control the boat.

My old Columbia 36 is the same way. Big advantage is the jib sheet winches are right next to the helmsman. Great for short or single handed sailing. Down side is nowhere to sit behind the wheel. If I sit on the cockpit seat I can't see over the cabin trunk.

[MartinR]

Yes, normally the helmsman does not sit behind the wheel, but to the side on the coaming or seat, depending on layout. Normally to windward, in some conditions to leeward. We have a very comfortable wide coaming to sit on and the railing as backrest.

[fred4936]

Our boat originally had a tiller, but a wheel was added at some point, about 2/3 the way back. With the end boom sheeting, the mainsheet was just far enough off your head to avoid being bonked on jibes. Last summer the wheel failed, so I put the tiller on. I now sit in the forward end if the cockpit, which I think I like better. The wheel may go back in at some point, since the compass and engine controls, cup holders are all displaced all over now. I find the headsail is easier to see with the helm forward, the mainsail easier to see with the helm aft.