Optimal number of turns of steering wheel

http://www.edsonmarine.com/ecatalogs/sail/00006.htm

Years ago we worked with Edson to design and build some of the first custom two speed steerers. The idea is to have high gear (fewer turns) for nice weather sailing and harbour maneuvering, and low gear when it's rough (blowing) and helm loads are higher. This system enables one normal guy (with a big wheel) to hand steer a 130' sloop with a partially balanced rudder. This gives the sailor typical small boat feedback instead of a mushy no feel hydraulic system.

 

if a helmsman , while maneuvering in reverse under pouring rain with numb hands, momentarily loses grip of the steering wheel on a big mechanically steered sailing yacht , damage will happen. Bent rudder stops or broken helmsman's arms. Iv often wondered why a simple damper or rotation limiter couldn't be installed that can be activated when the vessel is in reverse.

 

On a big yacht like that you would think he would be able to afford some gloves

 

Gloves wouldn't help, as it's a torque issue, not a grip consideration. I experience this on my 37' double ender in reverse. I'm just aware of it and take little bites, based on throttle position.

 

He said his hands were numb from cold-- Gloves would fix that.

My hands slip from sweat and sun tan lotion.

 

I just press buttons on the autopilot - So what is your problem? - My wheel does not rotate whilst the autopilot is working but is still functional and the autopilot quickly corrects back to the pre-set bearing, - a brief dodge... When the autopilot is off I have about 3.7 turns lock to lock and the rudder goes to about 30 degrees port or starboard - When manoeuvring in close quarters, I leave the rudders "midships" and steer by the throttles... All too bloody easy...