Lewmar folding wheel

[Elliot_SG]

Hi all, the wheel on my 2005 29 Cruiser is 39" diameter. Clambering around it is a bit of a mission when carrying bags/kit etc. so I would like to fit a Lewmar folding wheel instead. On their website they only have 36" or 40". If I go for the 36" will I really feel a big difference when helming? Conscious that big wheels = less force required to turn. My marina berth is stern-in, so having a slightly smaller wheel will make it easier to get past and stand forward of the helm when reversing in also.
Anyone done similar? 

[Moodymike]

I fitted a 40” Lewmar folding wheel on my B32, original as your size. Very pleased at anchor or marina, would not go for a 36”

[sy_Anniina]

Having upgraded from 36"(original) to 40"(non-folding) wheel in 2001 Bavaria 40, I find it much easier to steer on side bench while close-hauled in choppy conditions.

The locker lids bend slightly when opening and touching the wheel, other than that 40-in wheel fits perfectly. My solution in carrying goods is to remove the wheel intermittently - the keyed taper retaining nut is easily undone by winch handle.

BR,
Tommi
s/y Anniina

[Baltic]

Hi.

We have B39. And Lewmar
Folding Wheel 40" (1016mm)
sku:  89700377

Original fixed wheel outside dimensions.  ~ 1015 mm  = 40inch
Just double checked by measuring tape...

[Ziffius]

I fitted a Lewmar folding wheel to my 2005 Bav39 and found that it foaled the engine instrument panel. I had to replace the panel with a flat plastic panel to solve this. If your Bav39 has the chain and wire pulley steering system you might be Ok mine had the direct rod linkages to a rack and pinion system

[Elliot_SG]

I fitted a Lewmar folding wheel to my 2005 Bav39 and found that it foaled the engine instrument panel. I had to replace the panel with a flat plastic panel to solve this. If your Bav39 has the chain and wire pulley steering system you might be Ok mine had the direct rod linkages to a rack and pinion system

Thanks for this, would you mind posting a photo of the wheel and panel please? I believe mine is chain & pulley system steering, will take a look this weekend.

Thank you everyone for the useful replies - if I do it I will go for the 40" (and order a new measuring tape too!)

[Lazy Pelican]

We have a 2006 B39 with 40’’ folding wheel. We’ve owned the boat for 13 years and wouldn’t be without it.

[PEA-JAY]

I have a standard wheel that only comes outside when I use the boat. The moment we drop anchor it’s lashed to the push-pit

[Ziffius]

I fitted a Lewmar folding wheel to my 2005 Bav39 and found that it foaled the engine instrument panel. I had to replace the panel with a flat plastic panel to solve this. If your Bav39 has the chain and wire pulley steering system you might be Ok mine had the direct rod linkages to a rack and pinion system

Thanks for this, would you mind posting a photo of the wheel and panel please? I believe mine is chain & pulley system steering, will take a look this weekend.

Thank you everyone for the useful replies - if I do it I will go for the 40" (and order a new measuring tape too!)

If yours is chain and pulley you will probably not have a clearance problem. Photo of mine attached.

[Elliot_SG]

Just to wrap this thread up, thank you everyone for your replies. I went ahead with purchasing the 40" folding wheel. Ordered it from Defender, delivered to Singapore, installed it last week and had the first sail out with it yesterday. So much easier to move around (of course), expensive "nice to have" upgrade but I would say well worth it 

[skelpie]

Can somebody help me - I wonder if 40' will fit to my Bav 36 Cr Farr (2013). Maybe somebody know???