Helm & Steering Systems
Whitlock “Cobra” Wheel Steering System was supplied by Lewmar USA, and expertly installed by Steve Hooper Marine Services in San Diego. The wheel is 52" in diameter and provides light, yet very sensitive control of B’Quest’s large spade rudder.
The Cobra system has a built-in mount for under-deck autopilot access that will allow sailors with high-level disability to steer B’Quest using a Power-Assisted Helm System, powered by a joystick, Sip ’n Puff, optic fiber, or other innovative control interface.
Six-Way Power Helmseat provides ergonomic, secure seating for any helmsperson, with or without a disability. Based on the Sparco Competition car seat module, the high-back helmseat is mounted atop a 60"-wide traveler bridging the cockpit, standing approximately five feet in height. The seat readily travels from one tack to the other to accommodate heel of the boat; rotates through 180 degrees; tilts 25 degrees forward or aft; and, can slide up to eight inches towards the wheel, adapting to any comfort or physical requirement. A four-point safety harness secures and maintains the balance of the sailor in a seaway. At changes of watch, the helmseat is positioned on either side (tank) of the traveler for transfer from or onto the seat.
“Finger-tip” Control of the seat’s positioning motors is provided through a remote toggle switch/joystick module that can be mounted to either side of the helmseat.
For sailors with high-level disabilities, such as quadriplegia, the seat controller can be set on the automatic “level-seating” command. The seat will then automatically position itself, maintaining the helmperson’s vertical position, regardless of the boat’s angle of heel. The drain on batteries is minimized through the use of high-efficiency electric motors and microcomputer controls.
