Converting to a Smaller Helm steering wheel. Possible?

[Streff]

I find that bringing the rudder back to center takes too many pulls (small rotations) with my current steering wheel of 26” diameter. I wonder, with the appropriate adjustments of the cables, if I can convert to a smaller 12-14” wheel. I see several boats have smaller wheels. My steering is hynautic vintage 1990s.

I suspect this conversion is not uncommon so I am looking for comments or suggestions re: feasibility & such. I know enough about the steering system to realize that this is not a simple switch.

Thank you all in advance.

Streff

 

[mvweebles]

Maybe a spinner knob mounted on one of the spokes of your existing wheel?

https://www.fridayparts.com/steerin...=469&msclkid=16c8c65c5f1718c3901ba481d121b79f

 

[guy with a boat]

Maybe a spinner knob mounted on one of the spokes of your existing wheel?

https://www.fridayparts.com/steerin...=469&msclkid=16c8c65c5f1718c3901ba481d121b79f

Brilliant. Effectively reduce the size of the wheel for the price or a necker knob.

This gets my vote for answer of the day.

 

[Keysdisease]

Hynautic, just like most marine steering manufacturers (except Wagner) uses a 3/4" shaft with a 1" per ft taper and a keyway.
Choose your new wheel from a variety of manufacturers that make these wheels and change it out

 

[Comodave]

Remember that with a smaller diameter wheel it will take more effort to turn it.

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

Hamilton marine in Maine sells various smaller diameter helms used on Lobster boats and Downeast yachts.

 

[kapnd]

Hynautic, just like most marine steering manufacturers (except Wagner) uses a 3/4" shaft with a 1" per ft taper and a keyway.
Choose your new wheel from a variety of manufacturers that make these wheels and change it out

Be careful, some old Hynautic helms use a straight shaft, with no taper.