This is a follow up to my question on a swing keel 260 versus fixed keel 25.5. I really like the 260 with a wheel. Lots of room in the cockpit and I love the idea of having a small boat that has characteristics and options of a bigger cruiser. What are the positives and negatives about the wheel on a 260? Can you actually stay behind the wheel in heavy winds or do you have to hike up to windward and stretch? I love the wheel but don't want just the cosmetic option if its not functional. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance...
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Tiller vs Wheel
Tim: Here's my take on the subject: Go to: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/heel/heel.html
Tim: Here's my take on the subject: Go to: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/heel/heel.html
Tiller thoughts
I've always thought a tiller is the clear favorite for boats under 30 feet: - More room. Swings totally out of the way in port/anchor. rises above all knees under way. A wheel really takes up room you cannot get back! - Better control. You have a much better "feel" of the rudder, and can see immediately where it is. There is less backlash, and it is more easily compensated. - Faster control. One muscle movement can take it from hard right to hard left. Against this, some of us like the "look" of a wheel, and a wheel does provide more leverage. For me, the feel, and more space are the deciding factors. David Lady Lillie
I've always thought a tiller is the clear favorite for boats under 30 feet: - More room. Swings totally out of the way in port/anchor. rises above all knees under way. A wheel really takes up room you cannot get back! - Better control. You have a much better "feel" of the rudder, and can see immediately where it is. There is less backlash, and it is more easily compensated. - Faster control. One muscle movement can take it from hard right to hard left. Against this, some of us like the "look" of a wheel, and a wheel does provide more leverage. For me, the feel, and more space are the deciding factors. David Lady Lillie
I like the wheel.
Have sailed my 26 and a friends 260, both tiller, and another friends 260 keel with the wheel. The wheel wins because it's easier for friends and kids to sail AND you don't have that tiller swinging around to hit their knees. With a brake it's easier to leave the helm momentarily. You can always remove the wheel or get one of the newer collapsable types. I agree with what the others have said though. alan
Have sailed my 26 and a friends 260, both tiller, and another friends 260 keel with the wheel. The wheel wins because it's easier for friends and kids to sail AND you don't have that tiller swinging around to hit their knees. With a brake it's easier to leave the helm momentarily. You can always remove the wheel or get one of the newer collapsable types. I agree with what the others have said though. alan
Wheel is good for my back
I had a catalina 25 with a tiller and now have a 260 with the wheel. I agree with many of the points made in others posts but I prefer the wheel. Although it does take up some space, you do gain a seat at the rear. I don't sit sideways very well... my back starts to ache. With the wheel I sit or stand facing forward and my back feels great. We often have a gang on board and have never been pinched for space.
I had a catalina 25 with a tiller and now have a 260 with the wheel. I agree with many of the points made in others posts but I prefer the wheel. Although it does take up some space, you do gain a seat at the rear. I don't sit sideways very well... my back starts to ache. With the wheel I sit or stand facing forward and my back feels great. We often have a gang on board and have never been pinched for space.
Wheel preferred
In a blow, I'll usually stand behind the wheel of my 1999 H260. You can sit on the bench and steer, too; however, I often stand or sit behind the wheel. The pedistal makes a great place for the compass and motor controls, too. Added a pedistal guard for a hand hold and place to mount a table, too. Fair winds, Tom
In a blow, I'll usually stand behind the wheel of my 1999 H260. You can sit on the bench and steer, too; however, I often stand or sit behind the wheel. The pedistal makes a great place for the compass and motor controls, too. Added a pedistal guard for a hand hold and place to mount a table, too. Fair winds, Tom
Tiller Preferred
When I purchased the boat new I chose the tiller. I wanted as much room in the cockpit (family of 6) and the wheel takes up too much room. I have heard from much more knowledgable sailors that you have a much better feel for the boat with the tiller. Generally, the more complicated things are - the more things go wrong. Last weekend I spoke with a H260 owner and they complained about how difficult steering their wheel was on their boat. Obviously something was broken on their wheel steering but there is nothing to break on the tiller system. Moreover, the H260 is handicaped enough with the crappy stock rudder, why make is worse putting another "kink in the chain" with a wheel. Furthermore, look at the price differential for adding autohelm to a tiller and wheel steering. I had planned on letting my autohelm/gps do most of my sailing anyway. It turned out to be a lot less expensive installing on a tiller. It worked out so well I actually cut my tiller in half so its not swinging back and forth in the cockpit. There are photos in the photo forum. The only major disadvantge I have found with the tiller is that you loose the rear seat over the fuel locker. With a wheel, I have seen a nice seat mounted over that locker and it looks very nice to steer the wheel. Regards, Bob
When I purchased the boat new I chose the tiller. I wanted as much room in the cockpit (family of 6) and the wheel takes up too much room. I have heard from much more knowledgable sailors that you have a much better feel for the boat with the tiller. Generally, the more complicated things are - the more things go wrong. Last weekend I spoke with a H260 owner and they complained about how difficult steering their wheel was on their boat. Obviously something was broken on their wheel steering but there is nothing to break on the tiller system. Moreover, the H260 is handicaped enough with the crappy stock rudder, why make is worse putting another "kink in the chain" with a wheel. Furthermore, look at the price differential for adding autohelm to a tiller and wheel steering. I had planned on letting my autohelm/gps do most of my sailing anyway. It turned out to be a lot less expensive installing on a tiller. It worked out so well I actually cut my tiller in half so its not swinging back and forth in the cockpit. There are photos in the photo forum. The only major disadvantge I have found with the tiller is that you loose the rear seat over the fuel locker. With a wheel, I have seen a nice seat mounted over that locker and it looks very nice to steer the wheel. Regards, Bob
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