Comments below.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Rolf" wrote in message
om...
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?

I though the purpose of two wheels is always for the helmsman
to have a better view. I doubt if easier access to the stern area
is really a motivation.

How effective is it to use smaller wheels?

No advantage to the smaller wheels themselves. Less leverage
makes steering harder.

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?

I have a pilothouse boat with dual steering. The outside steering is
mechanical, but the inside steering is hydraulic. So 2 independent
systems make a nice combination in the case of a failure.

Rolf