1982 hunter 27 Wheel conversion to tiller

[wesleysherman]

I have been working on this 1982 27' for a total restoration for over a year. I am getting down to the end finally. The boat is 98% I would say like new!

I would like to get rid of the wheel steering. I know many people have very adamant feelings about this, yet for me Wheel on the 27 is ridiculous at best, varying reasons.. no bimini protection,have to hop over the lazaret benches to get access to the wheel area, auto pilot issues, repair issues. ect ect ect.

My question is for anyone that has done this or knows of the consequences of such a conversion.

Is there any reason this shouldn't be done> I know there would be some design changes to fit a permanent tiller to the emergency tiller.

Thank you in advance...

 

[Johnb]

I sailed a Clipper Marine with tiller steering for 16 years and figure there is nothing wrong with it. It is certainly much simpler.

I would plan in two things. One make it so the tiller can be swung up out of the way for when you are not under way, and the other is to provide for a tiller extension on a universal joint so you can steer from anywhere in the cockpit.

After breaking my tiller I made the new one from a pick handle. Cheap and strong. Just attacked it with a spoke shave until it was the right shape and fit.

 

[ALNims]

How much is it going to cost for the conversion would be my first concern.

 

[Benny17441]

Don't know how much money you have put on the restoration but taking out the wheel will reduce its resale value. Had an h27 with a 30" diameter wheel and had no problems getting around the wheel. The bimini top had openings for split backstay and covered all the way back to the rail. Never had an auto pilot on it but do not see any significant difference in installing a wheel unit. There was a Cherubini h27 factory tiller model, go ahead and research it an you may get some ideas. Just remembered that the cockpit of the tiller model was configured different, with long benches and no stern pilot seat. Installing a tiller with your current configuration might result in the tiller being in the cockpit way all the time. There might be other options by reworking the stern lazarette lid/pilot seat so do your homework before you commit to dismantling the tiller assembly.

 

[wesleysherman]

Thank you for your repsonses, some good comments have made me rethink this project.
Mainly after measuring the cockpit realized that it really dont make sense with the very short cockpit of the 27

thank you