70 Nautical Ship Wheel Tattoo Designs for Men

All hands! Clear ship for action, ahoy! Take an adventure out at seas with these nautical themed ship wheel designs. Each will take you down a different course of meaning.

When it comes to water vessels, it’s hard to forget about the iconic ship wheel.

You’ll find one on the historic US. Navy USS Constitution to certain modern yachts today, although some have been replaced by a simpler, electronic toggle. Yet, while it may be forever remembered by both men out at sea and men on land, it’s important to know its invention actually ended up replacing the tiller.

Years ago, sailors steered a boat by using a horizontal bar which was just above the rudder post, or whipstaff. As times changed, ships soon were fitted with the wheel. Each arrived with wooden spokes, all of which were all joined together right at the wooden hub.

However, sometimes the style varied among ship to ship. For instance, often the hub would be covered by a brass plate for protection. Not to mention, not all wheels had precisely eight cylindrical wooden spokes. Some had upwards of ten while others had as few as six.

There’s also the wood type to consider too, with most being made of generally mahogany or teak. If you’re wondering why those two, well it’s simple, they both combat salt water spray without decomposing too rapidly.

With that said, get ready to sail off into a sea of ideas with these 70 ship wheel tattoo designs for men. From full chest pieces to small and simple sized ink, each features its own meaningful voyage.