Necker knob

[StreamFixer]

Woody spotted a nice necker knob at Wilco (a farm supply store) for around $14.

Rubber...  Looks pretty stout.  Something you would expect to find on a tractor.  Nothing to rust and not gaudy plastic.  Might be what some of you guys are looking.

I'll get a picture next time I am in there.

StreamFixer

[Chuck Jones]

The critical part of the knob is not so much the appearance of the knob, but the device that attaches it to the steering wheel.   For marine applications, it needs to be stainless, and cinch down far enough to accommodate the thinner diameter of the boat stainless steering wheels.  Most of the ones I've seen dont cinch down tight enough to stay stable when you crank the wheel right/left/right at a fairly brisk pace.  The shackle seems to come loose with the less expensive necker knobs....but IF you happen to find one that meets the criteria, then by all means let us know.  The one that Wyrguy and I bought is EXPENSIVE to say the least, but it works, and works well...that's the bottom line.

[GregE]

Watching for pictures and location.  Hoping to find good source for a couple of them.

[croaker stroker]

Wikipedia ---

"necker knobs, because they allow steering with one hand while necking with the passenger."

[Wyrguy]

All of the ones that I was able to find (other than the Edson) were mounted with an external clamp system that left a HUGE edge to get caught on your jacket while turning in tight quarters... and for those of us that are a bit closer to the wheel, it could be 'something else' that gets caught or worse! 

Turning a tractor while plowing the 'back 40' is waaaaaay different than turning your outboard while docking with a tide rip and a cross wind...  also a rubber knob isn't something I'd want. The knob should be able to slide around in your hand while you're turning the wheel unless your shoulder is double jointed? Don't 'guess' that a tractor knob will work because it looks 'stout'. Find someone that has a boat with a boating one and use it, you'll be able to tell the difference right away :twocents:

I know which one I'd always want... and not the one from my tractor!

Rick

[fishorcrab]

Click http://www.greenpartstore.com/John-Deere-Deluxe-Steering-Wheel-Spinner-Knob-2000-Logo-TY26583.html and you will find the one I have been using for about 18 months. Never caught my sleeve.  Did require some serious tightening to compress the rubber on the wheel sufficiently to not slip.  As I recall, I spent about $13 at the local John Deere dealer in Hillsboro.

Works great especially when standing in the center of the boat or when docking.

Paul

[woody]

Paul

That about looks like the one I saw at Wilco and a dollar cheaper.  Fact that you have been using and recommend it is a plus.  I know you work a boat fairly hard and other then initial installation you seem pleased.

I will try because $13 vs. $100+- is meaningful. Of course I cede to all members who have the shinny, expensive knobs that theirs is prettier, nicer and works tons (tonne or kilo's) better.

Note that nothing sticks out to catch your clothes or other "things" and like expensive knobs seems to rotate in your hand quite easily. As I said, for $14 I will give it a try. Since it already has Paul's recommendation my opinion shouldn't matter much.

Woody

[Hydro-Therapy]

Woody this may be something to look for at the Sportsman show . I will shop Coastal , Wilco and Pape' (Fisher  new owenr) the first of the week to see what each has to offer.They are all just a mile down the road from me.

  H-T

[StreamFixer]

The posted link looks identical to the one Woody found, just does not have the spiffy John Deere logo in the top.

So there is the source and photo link.

Go check out your local farm implement supply to find one locally.

StreamFixer

[hawkeye]

I bought my Edson powerknob on eBay for too much, but I really wanted it. I felt kinda bad about it until I mounted it and used it. Now every time I use it I never think aboutcost, but how well it works and what a pleasure it is. It's been one of those things that was a pain to buy, but now makes me feel good every time I use. Splurge if you can. It's what life... and our Arima's are about.

[BigMac]

Guys,

You don't need to leave all that money to your children.

Listen to hawkeye.  Don't mess around.  Buy an Edson knob!! 

While I'm a big fan of the company and their equipment, I just can't wrap my mind around an Arima sporting a spinner knob with a John Deere logo.

(Dave)

[fishorcrab]

Why not? Some here are even experimenting with running tractor seats.   :whistle:

Paul

[BigMac]

Forgot about the tractor seats.

For those Arimas so equipped, the JD spinner knob would be a logical choice.

(Dave)

[Hydro-Therapy]

I went to our local J D dealer and checked out the spinner knobs. Was Not impressed. The bearings in them were so rough I thought they had to of come off my old boat trailer . While the clamp on system used was screws going into plastic. I could see them striping out real easy . I never have had luck with that. While being cheep I passed on it.

The Local Coastal and Wilco store only had the ones that mounted with bolts and wings that would catch on sleaves and coats real easy.

So I guess I am back to searching for a Edson at the best price.

H-T

[GregE]

Keep us posted H T, I'm looking for two of them

[Hydro-Therapy]

Here is what I have found for Edson power knobs : You can print a copy of these and take them to West Marine and save shipping costs

Stainless model( $67.28)  http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Edson-PowerKnob-Stainless-ProSeries_p_76638.html

Sportsman model(51.68) (Black composite) http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/search.asp?keyword=edson+sportsman+power+knob&search.x=14&search.y=12&search=GO

Myself I think the sportsman model would not be as cold to hang onto while running the trolling motor for a long period of time.

H-T

[Chuck Jones]

I spent some time and (not much) money dinking around with cheaper models but none of them would hold without slipping...or if I really cinched them down the strap or screws would break....so I eventually gave up, sucked it up,  and bought the Edson.  Now that it's there....I'm truly happy with it.  There's no substitute when it comes to docking or doing tight maneuvers.  For those of you who found a less expensive substitute...my hearty congrats.

cj