what is a boat steering wheel called Page 426

It’s commonly called a “ship’s wheel,” though most boaties just say “the wheel.” Strictly speaking, the “helm” is the steering position or entire control system, not the wheel itself. On small tinnies and some yachts you might have a tiller instead—no wheel, just a handle doing the same job. Call it wheel, ship’s wheel, or the helm if you’re feeling nautical; your course won’t mind either way.