How I Made My Wooden Wheel

Interested in a wooden wheel without the big price tag? Get inspired by this sailor's DIY spirit to create your own version.

By
Bert Vermeer
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7
A DIY wooden wheel shines on a sunny daysail. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)
A DIY wooden wheel shines on a sunny daysail. It is stored below to keep it in good condition when the boat is docked. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

The reader will notice that the title is not “How to Build a Wooden Wheel”. I don’t pretend to be a carpenter or shipwright, and have limited skills and tools. And I am certainly not saying that this is “the right way” to build a wood wheel. But, having always coveted a wooden rim on a sailboat wheel, this is how I managed to do it at minimal costs.

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Bert Vermeer
Bert Vermeer
As a coastal cruise (and occasional racer & ocean crosser), Bert Vermeer has sailed the coast of British Columbia for over 40 years. With his wife Carey & daughter Nicky (and eventually granddaughter Natasha) in tow, Bert has gained an appreciation for the fabulous cruising grounds of the Canadian west coast. Based on his experience as a hands-on boater, he established a marine based business after completing his police career. Bert stays busy during the winter months dabbling in You Tube sailing videos and writing tales of summer adventures, awaiting blue skies and warm winds.

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7 COMMENTS

    • Thanks for the comment. Believe me when I say I’m not a wood worker! The greatest fear was losing a finger in the table saw or router! The project was just a logical progression, one step at a time, how am I going to accomplish the next step. And fortune shone down on me! I’ve constructed two since for sailing buddies, one is somewhere in the south Pacific on a Hans Christian 48, the other hanging over a fireplace since the owner sold the boat, kept the wheel. But it’s a very high-risk project and very labor intensive.

  5. Wow Bert, as a fine woodworker myself that is quite a feat. That’s an awesome job my friend, my goodness! Actually right now I’m trying to find my own “Wheel” to put on a cruiser, for myself to get out on a long long sail, before I make one for myself though, (before I get to old… LOL).

    • Thanks for the comment Ed. Life is all about priorities. I was fortunate enough that my wife and daughter allowed me, and accompanied me, through our sailing adventures. You can’t buy back time or memories. Get out while you can. And then capture the moments with our modern technology for those coming days when the body gives up and sailing is no longer an option. Sailboat – powerboat – motor home – rest home. I’ve resisted the transitions so far!