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As a new boater, I feel I could use a steering wheel knob, which would free my right hand, leading to better throttle control.

Any recommendation, and fit information?
This is on a 2006 Montauk 170. Has the steering wheel changed much over the years?

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Jay,

I added a knob to both my Montauk and Ourage wheels to help with close quarters maneuvering. It worked really well.

It was like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-St...T0Y7KB80Z5

Edison sells them but they are really expensive.

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Thanks Phil.

Wow, the Edson stuff is uh... interesting.
I got lost in the catalog, just around the captain's quarters' hors d'oeuvres trays!

Maybe I can have a re-do on my recent birthday...?!!?

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I second Phil's reply. Works well.

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So far all 3 of my Whalers have had this wheel.
Really like having the the spinner on the boat.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/schmitt...--15712722

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Jay, try a clamp-on version before making any permanent mods!

I have a permanently-installed spinner that came on another boat, and I hate it. You really only use it when docking, and the rest of the time it's in the way.

Tim

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Indeed - The Edson comfort grip, easy to install. Great for maneuvering and you will find that you may just naturally use it all the time when going for the wheel.

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I agree with Tim unless you must turn your wheel several (more than 2-3) full turns to get from Port to SB, these knobs are great to get hung up on or bump your hand into.

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I have the clamp on from amazon as well and its worked great. keep the tool they give you as nothing else will fit in to help tightnen or remove it. mine rattled for a little until I realy cranked down on it. will see how it survives the winter and if its as smooth next season. for that price it doesn't hurt to try it.

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I'm tempted to try one. As I age and arthritis advances I find it more difficult to use my boat. After a few hours at the helm if I'm even slightly dehydrated my hands begin to cramp up. The ramp I most often use requires quick maneuvering as it is at 90 degrees to the tiny bayou used to make an approach.

Perhaps mounting the ball so it is on the inside edge of the wheel would make it less of an issue during routine maneuvering. As my primary boat has hydraulic steering the mechanical advantage of having the ball on the outside edge is not needed.

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I installed mine on the inside of the wheel (not on the spoke) at approximately 11 o'clock. Note that I am left handed.

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- is that with motor inline with boat?

- 1 o'clock for righties..? :-)

I like the inside position idea.
Is it so that one can still operate the wheel casually from the rim, for minor corrections while underway?

Other: With this new boating habit, I am gradually losing the sense of frugality I was born with...!

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I may select the 11 o'clock position although I'm right handed. The reason is that the binnacles and electronics on my boats are located to the right side of the wheel. When approaching a ramp it can be very important to always have your hand on the throttle/shift controls.

When underway, particularly in traffic, the same applies. Also when underway access to the MFD controls or touch screen is also important.

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I have one on my 18 Dauntless. It helps a lot when docking. Prior to adding it, when docking, the hand on the wheel would always hit the throttle at the worst time. I'd look like a bozo. There is very little gap on my 18 between the wheel and the throttle.

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I have an Edson mounted at 11-O-Clock. You want it there to keep it away from the family jewels when running. I am right handed and use my left to steer and right to run the throttle. Great for close quarters manuvering especially when docking. Like most things you get what you pay for and the Edson is well worth the priciness. Stainless steel with ceramic bearings construction. One dab of marine grease occasionally and this knob is bullet proof. Also this mounts very elegantly to your wheel and fits most with an included longer screw for bigger diameter cross section of helm wheel.