Why Boat Steering Wheel Comfort Matters for Long Boating Trips
Installing a high-quality boat steering wheel can significantly impact your enjoyment of long trips on the water. Long hours at the helm can cause strain on your shoulders, lower back, and even your focus, potentially putting you in a risky situation. A marine steering wheel from Gemlux is designed to reduce strain and provide additional control, keeping you comfortable and alert on the water.
The Importance of Comfort During Long Boating Trips
The motion of the water during a boat trip puts more strain on the body than many people realize. Even if you're seated, you're using muscles to maintain your balance without thinking about it. Spending much time at the helm puts strain on your wrists, shoulders, and lower back and can lead to mental strain. Paying close attention to navigation and weather conditions for an extended period can reduce reaction times and your decision-making ability. This is especially true during rough seas or poor visibility conditions. The comfort of your boat steering wheel will have an impact on your overall boating experience.
Key Features That Improve Steering Wheel Comfort
1. Ergonomic Design
An ergonomically designed boat steering wheel matches the natural curves of the wrist and hand. This reduces the need for awkward positions that will put unnecessary strain on your body. The contours distribute pressure more evenly on the wheel, reducing hand and wrist fatigue. This allows you to maintain a relaxed grip on the wheel, even during long trips.
2. Grip Material
A textured wheel means you don't need to hang onto it with as much force, as anti-slip features reduce strain on the wrist. Better grip and control on the wheel will reduce repetitive motions that can lead to fatigue, strain, or even injury. Textured grips, leather, or foam coverings on the wheel can be much better options than one made from slippery materials.
3. Wheel Diameter and Spoke Layout
Choosing the right wheel size allows for better leverage, making it easier to steer with less effort, no overreaching or unnecessary strain on your wrists, arms, or shoulders. The size of the wheel can also impact the visibility of other controls in the helm. You don't want to have to contort your body to reach other controls due to having a wheel that's too big.
Spoke design on the wheel should also complement the hands and help you keep a comfortable grip. The spoke layout influences the balance of the wheel and how smoothly it rotates. Strategically positioned spokes can also act as handholds during choppy seas.
4. Knobs and Control Accessories
Boat steering wheel knobs are also known as "suicide knobs" or "spinner knobs." They play an important role in providing control of the boat and your physical comfort. A steering knob gives you a fixed point of leverage, which allows you to make sharp turns or adjustments quickly. You can easily rotate the knob instead of having to fully grip the wheel. This is useful in tricky docking situations or if you need to maneuver quickly.
A steering knob also allows for one-handed operation. You can steer the boat with one hand, while the other is freed up to manage throttle controls or other equipment.
Choosing the Right Steering Wheel for Long-Term Comfort
At GEMLUX, we fashion high-quality boat steering wheels from marine-grade stainless steel. They're built with soft-touch grips and ergonomically designed to reduce strain and effortlessly steer your boat. Marine-grade stainless steel ensures that our wheels will resist corrosion from saltwater and UV rays.
The stainless steel is easy to maintain, built to last, and adds a stylish touch to any boat design. GEMLUX has wheels available in 13.5" and 15.5" configurations, with or without steering knobs, as well accessories to make installation easier.
Shop Gemlux Boat Steering Wheels
Upgrading to a comfortable, high-quality boat steering wheel from GEMLUX will make those long boating trips more enjoyable. The wheel should make for easier operation in any conditions, while reducing strain and those aches and pains that can develop on a long trip. Browse our catalog of boat steering wheels and accessories to find the one you're looking for, and don't hesitate to reach out to one of our boating experts if you have any questions!