How to choose the right boat steering wheel?

Your boat’s steering wheel may not be the first thing someone notices when they look at your boat from a distance or even step aboard. In fact, there are lots of other components that make a bigger visual impact. But in another way, your choice of steering wheel is incredibly important.

After all, you spend more time actually touching the steering wheel than anything else on board. So having a high-quality wheel that’s well-matched to your boat and boating style can make a much bigger difference than you might think in how you enjoy your boat. Here are a few important things to consider when choosing a new steering wheel for your boat.

What Size Boat Steering Wheel Do You Need?

The vast majority of recreational powerboats use one of two basic sizes of steering wheel: 13-1/2” or 15-1/2”. There’s some minor variation - some smaller wheels might be 13” instead of 13-1/2”, while some larger wheels might be 15” or 15-1/4”. But these two general sizes cover most applications.

So why choose one over the other? First, aesthetics is a factor. Obviously, a small wheel can look funny on a big boat and vice-versa. Most helm areas, though, are compatible with either size.

Second, smaller wheels are sort of like a “higher gear” for your steering; they’re faster to turn but require more steering effort, all else being equal.

In other words, you can spin a smaller wheel from lock to lock faster than a larger wheel, but the larger wheel is easier to turn. With modern hydraulic and power steering systems, the steering effort issue isn’t a significant factor, but with cable steering, a larger wheel can be noticeably easier to turn.

Third, helm space and clearance are important to consider. A smaller wheel frees up more real estate for drink holders, electronics displays, trim tab controls, switches, and other helm-mounted items that can’t be positioned “behind” the steering wheel.

Choosing a Boat Steering Wheel Style

Like steering wheel sizes, most aftermarket steering wheels for recreational powerboats fall into one of a few basic design categories: three-spoke stainless, five-spoke (aka “destroyer”), bluewater, belloca and three-spoke polyurethane.

Stainless Steel Three-Spoke Steering Wheels

Currently one of the most popular steering wheels among saltwater boaters. Three-spoke stainless steel steering wheels are available in 13-1/2” and 15-1/2” sizes with or without integrated auxiliary knobs. Most are made from solid cast 316 grade stainless steel.

Five-spoke destroyer-type wheels

Five-spoke destroyer-type wheels aren’t as much in style as three spoke wheels but were provided as original equipment on many saltwater boats. They are typically made of stamped Grade 304 stainless, making them less expensive than cast 316 stainless wheels. Some have molded foam-rubber grips on the rim, which provides a softer touch than bare stainless steel but does deteriorate over time.

Bluewater and belloca wheels

Both are premium steering wheels and significantly more costly when even three-spoke wheels from the same manufacturer. The bluewater-style wheel is essentially a stylized “two-spoke” that is often installed as original equipment on Yellowfin boats and other large center consoles. The belloca wheel is a three-spoke design with added detail for a striking, high-end aesthetic.

Three-spoke polyurethane steering wheels

These are typically found on freshwater-oriented boats like wake and ski boats, bass boats and pontoon boats. They are normally made with aluminum spokes and a polyurethane rim and often feature styling reminiscent of car steering wheels - vinyl-wrapped rims, contoured plastic covering the spokes, etc. Like rubber-coated destroyer wheels, polyurethane boat steering wheels tend to look sharp and feel good in your hands but won’t stand up to sun, moisture and salt like stainless steel will.

If you need to purchase marine steering wheels in bulk, please contact us. Of course, we can also provide personalized customization.