Steering wheel (ship) facts for kids

Wheel of the French carrier Clémenceau.

The wheel of a ship is the modern method of changing the angle of the rudder to change the direction of the boat or ship. It is also called the helm, together with the rest of the steering mechanism.

The wheel is typically connected to a mechanical or hydraulic system.

The idea of tractors, automobiles, and similar land vehicles having a steering wheel probably evolved directly from the ship's wheel.

Images for kids

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  Iconic image of a helmsman at a ship's wheel: the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial.

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  Helm of TS Golden Bear

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  Front and overhead view of a traditional ship's wheel in motion.

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  Britannia Yacht Club's Commodore Boardroom features a ship's wheel table

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  USS LST-325 ship's wheel and engine order telegraph

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  U.S. Navy personnel aboard USS Constitution, by the ship's wheel

See also

In Spanish: Rueda de timón para niños