In the last few years there has been a trend on sailboats boats over
40 ft to go to dual ( smaller) steering wheels, one on each side of
the cockpit. Presumably this is to avoid the problems of getting
around the wheel and easy access to the back. Many large racing boats
of course have had dual wheels for a long time, to give the helmsman a
better view.
What are the pros and cons of two wheels instead of one wheel?

How effective is it to use smaller wheels?

What are the mechanical pitfalls of having two wheels? I realize that
Pilot house boats nearly always have two wheels and therfore I don't
expect too many mechanical problems?

Rolf