Why Do Yachts Have Two Steering Wheels?

Sailing yachts feature two steering wheels for improved control, adaptability to wind changes, balanced weight distribution, and increased safety. This design ensures a smoother and more accessible sailing experience on the open sea. The primary reason for having two steering wheels is to improve visibility and control for the skipper or helmsman.

The double wheel on sailboats offers many advantages over the single steering wheel, including better control in taking sharp turns quickly and smoothly. One of the main reasons why sailboats have two wheels is for redundancy and safety. Steering a yacht requires careful attention and quick reflexes, especially in rough seas or inclement weather.

Many modern boats have two steering wheels, as the huge size of a sailboat’s steering wheel allows the helmsman to have more control over the boat. Two wheels allow the captain to choose the best position for maximum visibility and provide a more balanced and comfortable steering experience. Sailboats, especially larger ones, often feature two steering wheels, a design that might seem unusual at first glance.

Some boats have two wheels because they may want to steer from the high side when the boat is heeling (leaning) over from the wind. The main reason for having the two wheels is so that you can board from the swim platform and not have to walk around the wheel. Many yachts do have two steering wheels, one to port and one to starboard, to allow you to steer from the outside or gunwhale particularly.

A ships wheel or boats wheel is a device used aboard a water vessel to steer that vessel and control its course. The second steering wheel was for controlling yaw, which was the main method of turning the ship as seen in the movies.