Speed Knob

Ekea

Ekea

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I have been thinking about adding a knob to my wheel or replacing my wheel with a more modern 3 spoke with an integrated knob. i know the new wheel with integrated knob would be the nicest/best option, but is also the $$$ option. which ever way i go, i dont want to get some piece of crap that will break or feel grindy when i use it. i want a ball bearing knob. i also dont want one that will rust at all so i am assuming 316 ss is required.

does anyone have a recommendation for a high quality product for either a clamp on knob or a full replacement wheel? boat is the 2000 Chase 263 pictured in my signature. also does anyone know what size steering shaft/nut i should have?

thanks
 
Ekea

Ekea

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wspitler said:
Edson SS knob is high quality, but not cheap.
Click to expand...
HOLY $H!T. they have a teak and carbon wheel for $4500.

their knobs and SS wheels look pretty good though. like you said, very expensive, but doable. this is exactly what i was looking for, thanks
 
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wspitler

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I put one on my 330 and have had the built-in ones on other boats. The Edson knob is superior and has never come loose. Fits a variety of sizes heavy duty.
 
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Fishtales

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I'd replace the wheel with the same one by Schmidt that has the integrated wheel pressed in. Check the new GWs they use it. The others have straps that go around the wheel, not the best fitment IMHO. For the price of a new Schmidt you'd get a new wheel, a control ball and money in your wallet. Then sell the old wheel here. Cha-ching.
 
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fitzman

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I used the OE steering wheel on my 04 Islander with this stainless 3/8”ID x 1”OD x 3/4”Tall standoff/spacer/bushing from ebay for $20 (for 2) and a stainless Edson knob I had from years back. Machined top of the the spacer to accept curve in Edson knob base to create flush mounting alignment. After drilling hole in steering wheel spoke adjacent to hand grip, mounted the knob & spacer with stainless bolt & lock nut. Worked and looks great. Sorry no pics as I am away from boat for a couple of months. Looks just like Schmitt pic in post above from Fishtales. Or you could always buy another wheel….
 

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Fixit

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my 04 270 came with an Edison knob. nice heavy stainless with what appears to be some sort of plastic ball bearings. needs an occasional lube spray but it spins like a skateboard wheel
 
Ekea

Ekea

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ok, so ill ask why is an Edson 2-3 times the price of a Schmitt?

the schmitt seems to have a decent bearing:
  • All Stainless Steel Control Knob with Glass Ball Bearing
Edson seems to have delrin (DuPont plastic)
twin races of fast action Delrin
 
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DennisG01

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One reason could be the type of companies. Edson is a private, small business in Mass - which is nice. I believe Schmitt is underneath a larger company?

Could be quailty of components... Edson might have heavier SS. I think the Edson warranty is 50 years?

I can't speak to customer service of Schmitt but I can for Edson... Wow! When I first bought the one for my Grady, the attaching clamp wouldn't fit my steering wheel. Edson said "No problem, what's your address?". No charge. About 5 years after owning it, my brother took it off and back on for some reason. But he didn't tighten it up well enough and it fell off after a bit and we lost the attaching hardware. I called Edson and asked to buy new parts and they said "Nope, what's your address?" No charge.
 
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SkunkBoat

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hehehe, I could not bring myself to pay for an Edson. I bought a cheapo Amazon knob. It is definitely cheap crap. It didn't fit the wheel tube diameter. I kept it thinking someday I'll halfass a clamp. Its been in my SS hardware box for a couple years.

some day....
 
Hookup1

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Come on! 14 posts on a steering wheel knob? I have a cheap one and it works great. Probably work better if it was Platinum with Diamond studs.
 
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Fishtales

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GW uses the Schmidt. Good enough for GW, good enough for your GW!
 
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DennisG01

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Oh, and just to be clear, I'm not knocking the Schmidt. I've used a couple other speed knobs over the years and there was definitely a difference in the feel between those and the Edson - the Edson was very noticeably heavier/robust and smoother - but I don't know what those other brands were.
 
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