How to Remove a Steering Wheel Mounting Hub on a Boat

Whether you've decided to dispose of the steering wheel on your boat and use the tiller and control handle on your outboard, or if you've discovered that the steering wheel hub mounting hub--your boat's helm--has simply worn out, you'll need to remove the steering wheel, the wheel mounting hub and the steering shaft that protrudes from your dashboard. With some basic tools, you can save the cost of a job you can do yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Socket wrench extender

Instructions

1. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the steering cable from the cable arm protruding from the back of the boat's steering wheel mounting hub--also called "the helm."

2. Remove the hub cover from the steering wheel by unscrewing the cover with a screwdriver. Remove the steering wheel nut in the center of the hub. Wiggle the wheel from side to side and pull it from the shaft.

3. Unbolt the three or four bolts that hold the helm to the underside of the dash with a socket wrench. Stash the bolts in your shirt pocket so you can use them if you re-install the helm unit. Unbolt the top bolts first and hold the unit in place while removing the last bolt on the bottom.

4. Slide the unit backward (toward the front of the boat) and downward so that the steering shaft slips out of the dashboard. Continue lowering the helm unit until it's completely free of the dash.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to use an extender on the socket wrench, to reach the top bolts on the helm.