Black 3-Spoke Steering Wheel – 355 mm Durable Marine Helm

This 3-spoke steering wheel (approximately 355 mm in diameter) is a popular choice for small boats due to its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. With a classic three-spoke design, the wheel provides everything you need for confident boat handling without any unnecessary frills.

Material & Construction: The wheel is molded from tough plastic – typically a combination of ABS for rigidity and a polyurethane/rubber blend for the outer layer. The result is a stiff core and a slightly grippy surface that improves traction. Unlike metal wheels, this one is impervious to corrosion and can withstand prolonged exposure to water. The entire structure is one solid piece (monolithic), meaning there are no joints that can loosen – the spokes and rim are integrated. This one-piece build adds to its durability under stress.

The 355 mm diameter (often rounded to 350 mm in description) is optimally sized for small boats where console space may be limited. It offers a good balance between compactness and control: a smaller diameter could make steering too “twitchy,” while a larger one might take up too much room.

Installation & Compatibility: The wheel’s center is molded with a standard 3/4″ tapered and splined insert, which means it can mount directly onto the steering shaft of most boats without need for adapters. The package usually comes with a center cap as well – for this model, it’s often a plain black plastic cap that snaps in place, giving a finished look and protecting the retaining nut from the elements.

Advantages:

• Reliability: With its simple construction, this wheel has virtually nothing to break – there’s no leather wrap to wear out, no metal to rust. Even after years of use, a quick wash can make it look nearly new again.
• Versatility: It’s suitable for a wide range of boats – inflatable RIBs, small fishing skiffs, home-built boats, jet boats with steering wheels, etc. It can also serve as an emergency backup wheel to keep on hand during long voyages, in case the primary wheel gets damaged.
• Lightweight: Being plastic, this wheel is significantly lighter than metal alternatives. This low weight makes steering effort minimal (less inertia to overcome when turning) and reduces wear on the steering system. It also doesn’t add much load to the console or pedestal it’s mounted on.
• Easy Maintenance: Maintenance is as simple as it gets – you can clean the wheel with water and a mild detergent. It doesn’t require special anti-corrosion sprays or part replacements. If your boat is stored outdoors, it’s a good idea to cover the wheel or remove it for the off-season, but even if left exposed, it’s designed to handle weather.
• Safety: In the event of a collision or hard impact, a plastic wheel may flex or absorb some energy, which can be safer for the driver (metal wheels are more rigid). Many small boats, often operated by beginners, use this type of wheel because of its forgiving nature in rough use or accidents.

Practical Application: Imagine a small 3 m inflatable with a 15 HP outboard – this wheel is perfectly adequate to steer that boat on a river or lake outing. Or a little fiberglass fishing skiff you take into a cove – the 3-spoke wheel will reliably guide you as you quietly move around fishing spots. For owners of ~4–5 m RIBs looking for a budget-friendly but dependable replacement wheel, this model is a go-to choice.

In summary, this black 3-spoke 355 mm steering wheel is an unassuming yet effective solution for your boat’s helm. It gets the job done without fuss, allowing you to focus on the joy of boating while trusting that you have solid control over your direction.