Removing and Replacing a Boat Steering Wheel
Many boating enthusiasts pay little attention to their steering wheels until it’s time to replace them with a newer model. There are many reasons why a boat owner might want to upgrade their steering wheel, but the most common is damage from corrosion. This is more likely to occur on older vessels that are used in saltwater or moored outdoors during the offseason. In other cases, owners may simply be ready for an aesthetic upgrade.
No matter your reasons for installing a new boat steering wheel, it’s important to select a high-quality replacement that not only makes your boat look great but also provides years of use. At GemLux, we offer a variety of high-quality steering wheels designed to resist corrosion and fit onto a ¾-inch tapered shaft easily.
Let’s take a closer look at how to remove a steering wheel on a boat and replace it with a newer model.
How to Remove a Boat Steering Wheel
Removing the steering wheel from the console of a boat is fairly simple. First, you’ll need to remove the center cap, the nut underneath, and the washer behind it and pull the wheel straight up. While many people find that using a gear puller makes this easier, you can still remove the wheel successfully without specialized tools.
After removing the cap, nut, and washer, put the nut back on the helm and make sure it sticks out just above the threads so that it protects the helm. Then, place one leg behind the steering wheel and use your arm to apply pressure to the other side before hitting the nut with a hammer. This should cause the wheel to pop off without damaging the helm. Keep in mind that corrosion may make the wheel a little more difficult to pull off. If you suspect this issue, spray some marine-grade corrosion inhibitor between the wheel and the wheel stud and allow it to sit overnight before attempting to remove it again.
Installing a New Boat Steering Wheel
Fortunately, most modern boat steering wheels feature universal construction, which allows them to be installed on almost any vessel, regardless of make. At GemLux, we offer a wide selection of steering wheels in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs. The best part? They can all be installed using the same procedure.
To install a new wheel, the first step is to ensure the wheel shaft is clean and free of corrosion. Use a soft cloth moistened with a small amount of corrosion inhibitor to wipe the area down as thoroughly as possible before applying a thin layer of synthetic or food-grade grease. This will make it much easier to remove the wheel if you need to change it in the future. Then, all you have to do is slide the collar onto the shaft, the key wheel insert, and the shaft nut. Be sure to tighten the nut as much as you can before you slide the new wheel into position. Consider using a rubber strap wrench for optimal leverage to make sure it is as secure as possible.
GemLux Stainless-Steel Steering Wheels
Interested in replacing a boat steering wheel? GemLux is here to help. Browse our selection of stainless-steel steering wheels today to find a new, high-quality option that will enhance the look and performance of your vessel.
Of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions about our products or the boat steering wheel removal and replacement process. We look forward to helping you upgrade your vessel and prepare for the boating season!