CP-27 Edson Wheel Size

[Jma1_nemo]

Can one of you CP-27 Capt's lucky enough to still be sailing in December tell me the Edson Wheel diameter on your boat.  My boat is inaccessible in storage. My minor issue is that my cockpit cushions, when lifted to access the laserette bind with the wheel.
I would also like opinions on the effect of using a smaller wheel to remedy this issue. Will steering effort go up lots with a smaller (like 2-3 in) wheel or will it even be noticeable?
Thanx in Advance

[wes]

Mine is 24-1/4" dia. Pretty sure it would look goofy if it were much smaller than that.

The distance between the cockpit seats is just about exactly the same.

I'm planning to order cushions soon. My plan is to have them split so the lazerette hatches can open without the entire length of the cushion having to move.

Wes

[relamb]

My seat cushions are split so that the hatch may be opened without lifting the whole cushion.  (5) pieces, two for each seat and one that snaps onto the rear compartment to sit on.

[Jma1_nemo]

I finally tracked down the Com-Pac parts list, and it lists a DESTROYER WHEEL, DISHED 32" (tapered shaft).  I really like the idea of split cushions, and when the time comes that I need to replace mine that is what I plan. As for now, I am going to try and locate a used 28" wheel and give it a spin. ?

[wes]

That's what's listed on the CURRENT parts list, but I assure you my 1988 boat has a 24" wheel with straight shaft, as does Charlie's 1986. Suggest you carefully measure yours and/or call Hutchins before you buy another one of any size.

[deisher6]

Pretty sure Wes is right on.  The larger wheel is possibly for a C-33 or C-35.  They have a T shaped cockpit.  I'll double check when some of the ice clears off the roads.

regards charlie

[deisher6]

Wes is right on the wheel size. 
Smooth sailing.
regards charlie

[Jma1_nemo]

Finally got my boat out of winter storage and my wheel is in fact 32".

[Allure2sail]

Hi:
That's exactly what I did, Put a smaller wheel on. Now I get forward easier and have easy access to the lockers. Will measure it today and let you know tonight. Have original wheel. they I believe 1 inch shafts. Really no difference in steering.
Bruce
S/V Allure
Swansea, MA

[wes]

As a singlehander I would not want a wheel any larger than 24" in this boat. It's already a pain having to wriggle around it every time I need to go forward. I can't think of a single advantage to a larger wheel. FYI my Edson steering setup has the cables led around sheaves under the pedestal and straight back to the wheel on the rudder post. Charlie Deisher's slightly older 27 (1986) had a different system with the cables running in flaxible tubes (conduit) which creates more friction resistance, but still nothing that would require a larger wheel. Mystified why Hutchins would have changed to a 32" wheel.

Wes