Boating has come a long way since its inception. The early years saw primitive boats with oars as the primary means of propulsion and navigation. Until the late 1800s, boats were usually steered with a tiller, a long wooden lever attached to a rudder, that controlled the angle of the boat. However, with the invention of the steam engine, boats became more powerful and heavier, and a hand-operated steering mechanism was needed. The steering wheel gradually replaced the tiller, but they were quite large in the past. So, the question arises,?
First and foremost, larger steering wheels provided more leverage. Boats in bygone eras were considerable in size and weight, and it took a lot of strength to maneuver them through the water. A large wheel allowed a helmsman to apply a lot of force to the rudder to take the helm in the direction he desired. Steering wheels were also often located outside, requiring the helmsman to battle against the elements such as wind, waves, and currents. Larger steering wheels were an advantage in such situations because they offered more resistance and hence were easier to grip.
Another reason for larger steering wheels was better steering accuracy. In days gone by, navigation was done by eye, using landmarks, compasses, and celestial objects. There were no GPS devices or electronic charts as we have today. Therefore, steering had to be precise and responsive to ensure safe and accurate boat handling. A larger wheel provided precise control and a greater response from the boat’s movement, making it easier for the helmsman to make course adjustments with the necessary accuracy.
Steering wheels, in the past, were also designed for different helm positions. Back then, the helmsman sat on top of the wheelhouse, which was often open-air. To steer the boat, they had to lean over the wheel, which was mounted horizontally. This meant that the helmsman’s back, arms, and hands had to be in a specific position to operate the wheel. A larger steering wheel allowed the helmsman to adjust their position and still maintain control of the boat.
Steering wheels were larger in the past to provide more leverage, better steering accuracy, and adjustable helm positions. With advances in technology, boats have become more sophisticated, and the size of the steering wheel has reduced as its mechanical efficiency improved. Today, we have electronic steering mechanisms, GPS devices, and other advanced technologies that make steering boats much easier. Nonetheless, the bigger steering wheels of the past will always remain integral to the evolution of boating, and a testament to the ingenuity of sailors of that era.