The steering wheel of the boat allows the captain or helmsman to change the direction of the boat by attaching the rudder. Do you want to know what the nautical term for a steering wheel on a boat is? If you’re just venturing into being a sailor, or just trying to get yourself to know the parts of a boat, you’re in the right place! We will answer all your questions in this article.
What Is The Steering Wheel On A Ship Called?
Whether it’s a small boat, pontoon, power boat, or galleon; the steering wheel is called the “helm” of the boat.
While traditionally, paddles or oars were used to drive sailboats, modern ships use a helm connected to hydraulic or mechanical systems to drive rudders that are hinged vertically near the stern.
The ship’s “helmsman” is responsible for “steering” the steering wheel. They use the steering wheel to change direction when necessary.
How Does A Steering Wheel Work?
The Design
Traditionally, the steering wheel of a ship has 6 to 10 wooden spokes, usually 8, as you see on classic Corsair ships. These spokes are attached to the central circular nave. There is a square hole called the “drive side” in the mid-chamber, through which the axles pass.
In the three rims of the outer wheel – facing the rim, the middle rim, and the rear rim, wooden spokes pass through the middle rim to form the wheel handle. “King Speak” has grooves added to the top to help the helmsman position the rudder in the dark.
The Conventional Mechanism
On traditional boats, the steering wheel is connected to the spindle by a shaft. The mandrel that goes through the drum (also called the drum) is attached to the tiller, or steering chain, which is attached to the pulleys on either side of the wheel of the boat.
These tiller chains eventually connect to a pair of pulleys and eventually meet at the tiller that connects to the rudder. A consistent movement of the connected wheels will now cause the tiller to tilt in either direction.
The Modern Mechanism
In contrast, modern steering wheels have no wood spokes, they use a modern steering gear system. Today, they use fully hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, or fully electric gear systems.
Still, the basic mechanics of steering wheel operation remain the same. Generally speaking, once a steering operation has been performed, the steering gear system is responsible for turning the rudder by transferring the torque generated by the system to the rudder stock.
Hydraulic pumps generate hydraulic pressure either mechanically or mostly electrically. This hydraulic pressure is caused by the movement of the steering gear, which triggers the movement of the rudder. Hydraulic pumps can be of radial or axial piston type.
The electrical device required to coordinate between the hydraulic pressure produced by the pump and the mechanical force required for the rotational motion of the rudder is called the actuator.
The Systems of Steering Wheel on a Ship
In order for the steering wheel to work properly on the boat, the steering gear provides support. This can only happen if these three requirements are based on classifications and rules set by society.
- The steering gear should be able to turn 35 degrees from the starboard or port and vice versa. For a maximum, uninterrupted, rated speed shaft, it is expected to have a stable head-on speed. The summer load waterline should remain within the maximum recommended time frame of 28 seconds.
- On the rudder part, it is expected to have 15 degrees of steering capability from starboard and port or vice versa. When the ship is moving at half its maximum speed, the movement should be completed within one minute.
- Replacement parts for the main control system and power supply unit must be available on board so that there is no interruption in the event of a system failure.
- The emergency generator is essential to drive the steering gear system. It is connected to emergency power.
The most commonly used steering gear systems are hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems. They are both hydraulically driven, but the former is purely mechanical, while the latter is driven by an electric motor. Today, advanced electro-hydraulic gear systems are common on ships.
Hydraulic pumps are the reason these gear systems work, but the primary control of steering action still relies on the rudder or steering wheel. In addition, the gear system generates a twisting force that is sent to the rudder for activation.
Where Is The Steering Wheel Located On A Ship?
The steering wheel or rudder of a ship is usually on the right side, also called the “starboard” of a ship. “Starboard” is derived from the Old English term “Steorbord”.
Why Is A Ship Steering Wheel On The Right Side Of The Ship?
From tradition to technology to interpretations including marine regulations, there is a lot of speculation about why this design is so popular.
However, many believe the traditional explanation of how easily design is connected to right-handed work.
The theory is that since most sailors at the time were right-handed, they rowed from the right side of the boat with the oars. Also, since most sailors are still right-handed, the design is even today’s gold standard. From tradition to technology to interpretations including marine regulations, there is a lot of speculation about why this design is so popular.
However, many believe the traditional explanation of how easily design is connected to right-handed work.
The theory is that since most sailors at the time were right-handed, they rowed from the right side of the boat with the oars. Also, since most sailors are still right-handed, the design is even today’s gold standard.
What Does A Steering Wheel On A Ship Symbolize?
There is no doubt that steering wheel emblems or tattoos are common. For some, the symbol represents the time they sailed on the ship.
As its meaning suggests, the rudder is also a guiding symbol for many. They associate this symbol with life and its hardships and uncertainties.
Life can be hard and dangerous. However, regardless of the outcome, we are always forced to make choices. We have to navigate these rough visions ourselves and this tattoo gives a lot of people a sense of direction.
Basic Requirements For Steering Gear System In A Ship
- According to guidelines established by classification societies, the steering gear on a vessel advancing at maximum continuous shaft speed should be able to change from 35 degrees to starboard to 35 degrees to port and vice versa in 28 seconds.
- The ship’s rudder on the summer load line is moved forward at half the rated maximum speed or 7 knots, whichever is greater, during the 1 minute time frame.
- Primary and auxiliary primary power units and control systems shall be provided to maintain standby status in the event of any failure.
- The gear system requires an additional power unit capable of turning the rudder from 15 degrees port to 15 degrees starboard and vice versa within 60 seconds of being connected to the emergency generator.
Summing It Up
What is the steering wheel on a boat called?
Simply put, the steering wheel on a boat is called the helmsman, and the person who steers it is the helmsman.
While progress has been made in this part of the boat, the mechanics are the same, allowing the boat to move smoothly and quickly. However, thanks to the hydraulic pump and electronics, a manual steering wheel is now unnecessary.
