22/03/2026
A ship’s wheel, always a story?
Originally a hand shaped wheel built by the boats designer/builder Denis, Dove will have two working helm positions with two unique hand-crafted wheels, both fabricated by our dear neighbour and friend Phil.
The main helm wheel is easily the oldest piece of Dove, fabricated from an old forged farm machinery wheel (approximately late 1800s, unknown).
Each hand turned white oak handle sits in a custom plug, which lines up with the wheel’s spokes. (Pictured here in primer with handles not fitted)
The upper helm wheel started life on a two masted ketch ‘Princess’ we salvaged from the yard in Port Adelaide Marine (Jim and James Theodore).
It (boat and wheel) was literally disintegrating, we took the centre and Phil hand made the components from redgum to make what you see (pictured awaiting final sanding, filling and finishing with Tru Oil )
Steering will be a combination of chain reduction, shaft and cable, closer than ever to being installed.
