Removing steering wheel

[Rich Hargis]

All my past boats have had a helm with a nut that holds the wheel on the shaft with a key way, the boat I have now has a bolt head and it just spins in both directions. I tried grabbing it with Vise grips and was pulling while spinning to see if I could get it out. I give up, what's the trick? It does have an older Benmar auto pilot attached to it if that matters.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Removing steering wheel

no clue what you have but I'd look for a nut if I had a bolt that just spins

pics may help

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Removing steering wheel

I cannot recommend removing the steering wheel.

It will make navigation much more difficult.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing steering wheel

All my past boats have had a helm with a nut that holds the wheel on the shaft with a key way, the boat I have now has a bolt head and it just spins in both directions. I tried grabbing it with Vise grips and was pulling while spinning to see if I could get it out. I give up, what's the trick? It does have an older Benmar auto pilot attached to it if that matters.

Ayuh,.... It might be old enough to have a Nut on the end of that bolt, behind the helm unit,....

I think they had some sorta square tapered shaft, 'n a through bolt.... All the way through...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Removing steering wheel

Yep! Merc Ride-Guide steering. They made a lot for Glastron. Bolt is about 8 inches long and passes right through the helm. It is secured by a nut on the backside. Remove the nut and bolt. The steering wheel is on a square taper and comes off easily--no puller necessary.

However, no new aftermarket wheel will fit and you can not change the shaft. SO: you are limited to your existing wheel, or buy a complete new helm.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: Removing steering wheel

Yep! Merc Ride-Guide steering. They made a lot for Glastron. Bolt is about 8 inches long and passes right through the helm. It is secured by a nut on the backside. Remove the nut and bolt. The steering wheel is on a square taper and comes off easily--no puller necessary.

However, no new aftermarket wheel will fit and you can not change the shaft. SO: you are limited to your existing wheel, or buy a complete new helm.

You hit the nail right on the head. It was installed in my 1979 28' Skipjack, I did find an stainless destroyer wheel for it though.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Removing steering wheel

Thanks Frank and thanks Rich for the outcome.