How To Clean Boat Steering Wheel

gone brain dead - can't remember what it's called when a steering wheel is completely wrapped in cord?

Anyway, the boat we have acquired has been sitting in a yard for several years and the covered steering wheel is very manky. I was going to set to it with a nail brush and some washing powder and plenty of water.

Any better method ?

Pressure washer. Just not too fierce.

It might be easier to re-whip the wheel?

lol! whipped! that's the word

FullCircle

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Joined: 19 Nov 2003

Messages: 28,209

Ah, use whipping cream then.

Good point, but now you've made me think. May just replace with a leather cover. Much simpler!

DanTribe

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Joined: 8 Jan 2002

Messages: 4,784

Location: Essex

Ah, use whipping cream then.

Get the whipping boy to do it.

FullCircle

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Joined: 19 Nov 2003

Messages: 28,209

Good point, but now you've made me think. May just replace with a leather cover. Much simpler!

We will have a whip round for you.

If the steering wheel is stainless, once you get most of the grot off, give it a good rubbing with a rag soaked in petrol. Surprisingly, petrol gets rid of minor rust marks. this equally applies to cleaning chrome.

Tranona

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Joined: 10 Nov 2007

Messages: 34,588

Good point, but now you've made me think. May just replace with a leather cover. Much simpler!

Leather is much nicer. You can get DIY kits and it is a pleasant pastime doing it yourself. Good for two people, one doing the threading and the other taking over and pulling tight. Both can then earn a beer or a wine as appropriate for every section between spokes! Then buy a canvas cover for the wheel and the leather will last a long, long time.

Leather is much nicer. You can get DIY kits ...

I've been meaning to replace my leather, got any links to these kits?

google clyde marine leather.... I bought a kit, turned out very well.

Soak in oxalic acid (my new-found panacea) then rinse/light scrub the dirt off. Will also remove rust staining. If it destroys the rotten whipping, then that should make removal easier :0)

Tranona

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Joined: 10 Nov 2007

Messages: 34,588

I've been meaning to replace my leather, got any links to these kits?

Got mine from Calibra Marine in Swanwick. Lewmar also do them - but I think they only use rare breed pedigree cows judging by the price!

+1 for Clyde Marine leather

Tranona

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Joined: 10 Nov 2007

Messages: 34,588

Indeed, hence my question about alternatives.

Now I've got a new sewing machine, I might have a go at making them.
Note to self: wheel diameter 810mm, ring diameter 22mm ± 0.5mm, holes at 10mm, 5mm to edge. Joins at 180°

Calibra Marine import a Dutch kit. IIRC was about £75 compared with Lewmar at £110. Already sewn to size so easy to put on.

I thought it would be interesting to get prices from leather dealers, so I've sent this email to four of them:

I need a pair of steering wheel grips for my boat, in leather or suede, colour grey.

My measurements are:

Wheel diameter 810mm, circumference 2545mm, two parts with joins at 180°
Rim diameter 22mm ± 0.5mm, circumference 69mm
Lace holes at 10mm spacing, 5mm to edge. Leather 1mm thick.

Can you give me a price for four strips as follows: length 1275mm, width 69mm, 1mm thick.
Could you also price for punching lacing holes 5mm from all long edges, at spacing between holes of 10mm. Note: the holes must line up across the width.

Regards,

Nigel Mercier

Good point, but now you've made me think. May just replace with a leather cover. Much simpler!

Lisa you must have more important jobs to do.
3m/m cord just work out how much you need the work the price out. i went for Elk hide

Yeeees oh wise one ...i know! However cleaning is something we can get on with while we await parts and gear.... and dont forget there is YEARS worth of crud to dispense!