How to Measure a Sailboat Steering Wheel for a Cover
A full steering wheel cover protects the helm while the boat is not in use. Before ordering, check the wheel itself and the space around the pedestal, instruments and controls.
What to measure
- Overall outside diameter, measured through the center when accessible, or the outer circumference of a round wheel.
- Rim tubing thickness and the wheel’s front-to-back depth or dish. Wheel diameter and rim tube diameter are different measurements.
- The hub or collar area the opening must fit around, plus clearance to the pedestal, compass brackets and control levers.
Use circumference only for circular sections
For a circular outer rim, diameter = outer circumference ÷ π. For example, 283 cm corresponds to about 90.1 cm diameter. A straight measurement taken away from the center is a shorter chord. Neither method measures the required cover depth or hub opening.
Match your measurements to the cover
Compare all measurements with the size chart and closure design of the chosen cover. Check how it installs around your hub; do not assume every cover has the same zipper or rear opening. Select by actual wheel dimensions rather than boat length. Remove a full wheel cover before using the helm.
