I made the wheel cover out of 1/8” low stretch braided line. The first wheel cover I did this way is still in service on my previous boat after 25 years and this one is in excellent shape after 5 years. How it is done is to tie continuous clove hitches and pull the knots very tight. The results is a spiral ridge around the wheel.
To mark when the wheel is mid ship I also wrapped the top spoke and put a Turks head on the top of the wheel. Those two marks also serve as tactile feedback so you can feel how far the wheel is turned.
Similar to a leather wheel the line covered wheel is much warmer and more comfortable on the hand. We rarely need gloves when on the helm.
I don’t remember the length of material needed, but think it was about 300’. I
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