Anybody installed wheel steering on a sailboat. Cost$$$$ Level of difficulty? Etc....Am thanking you in advance... Roy
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Marginal on a 27 Footer
In my opinion, wheel steering is marginal at best on a 27 footer and not likely to be worth the expense. Your boat is a lot more responsive with the tiller. Another advantage is that, with a tiller, you can open the cockpit up at anchor by lifting the tiller out of the way. With a wheel, it's always there in the way. Wheels look cool, but they're not necessarily better. I know that there are a number of previous postings on this topic on the Catalina forums so you might want to check the archives.
In my opinion, wheel steering is marginal at best on a 27 footer and not likely to be worth the expense. Your boat is a lot more responsive with the tiller. Another advantage is that, with a tiller, you can open the cockpit up at anchor by lifting the tiller out of the way. With a wheel, it's always there in the way. Wheels look cool, but they're not necessarily better. I know that there are a number of previous postings on this topic on the Catalina forums so you might want to check the archives.
Wheel
Roy If you want one, go to Edson.com. They make great retrofit kits for tiller steered boats. You can do it yourself.
Roy If you want one, go to Edson.com. They make great retrofit kits for tiller steered boats. You can do it yourself.
Plus they're quite spendy
I think I've seen the rough figure of $3K thrown about. On an older 27' boat? Doubt you'd ever get your money back out of it. LD
I think I've seen the rough figure of $3K thrown about. On an older 27' boat? Doubt you'd ever get your money back out of it. LD
Wheel Retrofit
Roy - Our Catalina 30 was retrofitted with wheel steering before we bought her. I had to do a partial rebuild last year so got a pretty good look at some of the things involved. Here's some things to consider: * You'll have to fit either a quadrant or flywheel to the top of the rudderstock if you have a spade-type rudder. This of course means you'll have to have excellent access to the top of the rudder stock with sufficient room to install and later service the quadrant/ flywheel. If you have an external, transmon mounted rudder, one of Edson's retrofit kits runs a push/pull cable to the rudderhead on transon-mounted, external rudders (if your O'day has an external rudder). Lots of drilling through the transom. * In order to mount the pedestal, you'll have to cut a hole in the cockpit sole, and reinforce it below deck with suitable backing plates. On our boat, the pedestal was originally mounted at the forward end of the cockpit, to allow better access to control lines for single handed sailing. It was later moved aft, probably because it blocked the companionway. But the result for us was a weakened spot in the cockpit sole where the original mount was. * You'll need adequate space below the cockpit sole to run the steering cables from the pedestal aft to the quadrant on the rudder head. The result on our boat was a significant loss of space in the under-cockpit berth. * If you have a traveller for your main, and it's mounted at the aft end of the cockpit (as it was on our boat), you may ultimately want to relocate it so it doesn't interfere with your new "conning" position (this is a common modification to C30s, with a traveller over the companionway). * Wheel steering takes a lot more maintenance than tiller steering -- have to make sure the cables are tight, lubricated, quadrant/flywheel haven't corroded, etc. If you do make this conversion, save your tiller -- you may need it as an emergency tiller should the wheel system fail underway (I've had this happen!). You may have to cut it down to be able to operate between the rudder stock and your new pedestal, so measure first! Rudder vs. tiller is another of those sailing choices that have adherents on both sides -- in the end it's a personal decision. For my money, having had both (tiller on my prior Catalina 25, wheel on the C30) I can say that its my impression that tillers have far less maintenance and better feel of what the boat's doing re: weather/lee helm, give you instant indication of your rudder position (you'll have to mark the wheel to know when your rudder is centered), take up more cockpit space than a wheel (and then there's the "rudder sweeep" across the cockpit when you're loaded up with friends and crew on a daysail), and are basically "bulletproof" -- they don't break too often (although tillers are certainly known to split). Wheels: more maintenace (but nothing too extreme), may fail if cables stretch/break, perhaps less feel of the boat, certainly take up less cockpit space. And they're pretty cool -- we bought a teak "traditional" 6-spoke wheel and really like using it plus get a lot of compliements. Hope this helps -- good luck! Mike Turner S/Y Amity Long Beach, CA
Roy - Our Catalina 30 was retrofitted with wheel steering before we bought her. I had to do a partial rebuild last year so got a pretty good look at some of the things involved. Here's some things to consider: * You'll have to fit either a quadrant or flywheel to the top of the rudderstock if you have a spade-type rudder. This of course means you'll have to have excellent access to the top of the rudder stock with sufficient room to install and later service the quadrant/ flywheel. If you have an external, transmon mounted rudder, one of Edson's retrofit kits runs a push/pull cable to the rudderhead on transon-mounted, external rudders (if your O'day has an external rudder). Lots of drilling through the transom. * In order to mount the pedestal, you'll have to cut a hole in the cockpit sole, and reinforce it below deck with suitable backing plates. On our boat, the pedestal was originally mounted at the forward end of the cockpit, to allow better access to control lines for single handed sailing. It was later moved aft, probably because it blocked the companionway. But the result for us was a weakened spot in the cockpit sole where the original mount was. * You'll need adequate space below the cockpit sole to run the steering cables from the pedestal aft to the quadrant on the rudder head. The result on our boat was a significant loss of space in the under-cockpit berth. * If you have a traveller for your main, and it's mounted at the aft end of the cockpit (as it was on our boat), you may ultimately want to relocate it so it doesn't interfere with your new "conning" position (this is a common modification to C30s, with a traveller over the companionway). * Wheel steering takes a lot more maintenance than tiller steering -- have to make sure the cables are tight, lubricated, quadrant/flywheel haven't corroded, etc. If you do make this conversion, save your tiller -- you may need it as an emergency tiller should the wheel system fail underway (I've had this happen!). You may have to cut it down to be able to operate between the rudder stock and your new pedestal, so measure first! Rudder vs. tiller is another of those sailing choices that have adherents on both sides -- in the end it's a personal decision. For my money, having had both (tiller on my prior Catalina 25, wheel on the C30) I can say that its my impression that tillers have far less maintenance and better feel of what the boat's doing re: weather/lee helm, give you instant indication of your rudder position (you'll have to mark the wheel to know when your rudder is centered), take up more cockpit space than a wheel (and then there's the "rudder sweeep" across the cockpit when you're loaded up with friends and crew on a daysail), and are basically "bulletproof" -- they don't break too often (although tillers are certainly known to split). Wheels: more maintenace (but nothing too extreme), may fail if cables stretch/break, perhaps less feel of the boat, certainly take up less cockpit space. And they're pretty cool -- we bought a teak "traditional" 6-spoke wheel and really like using it plus get a lot of compliements. Hope this helps -- good luck! Mike Turner S/Y Amity Long Beach, CA
27 oday wheel
As was mentioned, there WAS a recent posting regarding this model. As I recall, it was quite a bit of money to throw at your boat. I agree with the loss of space, too. We've been looking at an O'day 272 that's up for sale near us. It has the tiller as well. I first thought about the wheel too, but from looking at many photos and talking to many people, I can see that it'd be more of a bother than it's worth. Looks like you'd have to climb over the seats just to get behind the wheel. Looks like it'd be pretty interesting trying to single-hand the boat. Of course, that's just my opinion! By the way Roy, I'd appreciate if you could e-mail me at: ocrc@litenet.net so we could discuss your boat at greater length? The boat we're looking at is on the hard, and I haven't found any other 272 owners local to me yet. Is your's the 27, or the 272? Thanks in advance... Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
As was mentioned, there WAS a recent posting regarding this model. As I recall, it was quite a bit of money to throw at your boat. I agree with the loss of space, too. We've been looking at an O'day 272 that's up for sale near us. It has the tiller as well. I first thought about the wheel too, but from looking at many photos and talking to many people, I can see that it'd be more of a bother than it's worth. Looks like you'd have to climb over the seats just to get behind the wheel. Looks like it'd be pretty interesting trying to single-hand the boat. Of course, that's just my opinion! By the way Roy, I'd appreciate if you could e-mail me at: ocrc@litenet.net so we could discuss your boat at greater length? The boat we're looking at is on the hard, and I haven't found any other 272 owners local to me yet. Is your's the 27, or the 272? Thanks in advance... Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
Well, Roy, One of Each
I had an O'Day 27 with wheel steering. My sailing friend has a 272 originally with wheel steering, subsequently converted to tiller. My 27 was handy with a small wheel. I added a folding seat on the transom but had to reinforce it first. The wheel wasn't bad, but was a little rubbery for my taste. It did provide a good place for the compass and snack table. I also had a Columbia 28 with a tiller. I think it was a toss-up with the nod going to the tiller for the cockpit space and ease of fitting an A/P. My friend's 272 suffered from repeated push-pull cable problems. When he converted back to tiller, he found it to be easier as a single-hander. So, choice is yours. Good luck whatever. Rick D.
I had an O'Day 27 with wheel steering. My sailing friend has a 272 originally with wheel steering, subsequently converted to tiller. My 27 was handy with a small wheel. I added a folding seat on the transom but had to reinforce it first. The wheel wasn't bad, but was a little rubbery for my taste. It did provide a good place for the compass and snack table. I also had a Columbia 28 with a tiller. I think it was a toss-up with the nod going to the tiller for the cockpit space and ease of fitting an A/P. My friend's 272 suffered from repeated push-pull cable problems. When he converted back to tiller, he found it to be easier as a single-hander. So, choice is yours. Good luck whatever. Rick D.
wheel steering
Roy; I wouldn't do it. A wheel and binnacle take up a lot of room in a cockpit, while a tiller can be tilted up out of the way at anchor. A tiller will give you better feedback too, and allow you to move further to windward or to leeward to steer using an extension. It won't add to the value of the boat, either, in fact, it may have a negative effect.
Roy; I wouldn't do it. A wheel and binnacle take up a lot of room in a cockpit, while a tiller can be tilted up out of the way at anchor. A tiller will give you better feedback too, and allow you to move further to windward or to leeward to steer using an extension. It won't add to the value of the boat, either, in fact, it may have a negative effect.
To till or not to till
The ONLY reason I would go for a wheel on a boat of this size is to gain cockpit room whilst underway. Boats of this size (like the Hunter 27) are notorious for half-hearted cockpits and are typically sailed with about 18 adults on board. Having them all pick up their feet every time you come about and then having them all crawl over the aft end of the tiller whilst you try to sheet in the jib makes sailing seem like a circus. That said-- the little 31-ft yawl that my dad drew in 1961 (and my next construction project) has a tiller-- which is really cool because it's IN FRONT OF the mizzen. Just when you thought it was safe to have a wheel.... The guy at Covey Island BW (builder) said he thinks it's the best selling feature-- simple, unassuming, exactly what you want for the boat for Everyman. And there is NOTHING nicer than snuggling up to the aft corner of the cabin trunk with your compass and depth finder staring you straight in the face. A mere dodger covers you in wet weather without the need for a Bimini top. And there's room beside the mizzen step for two of those other people, which is all I'd want to have on the boat anyway. Then again this little boat was designed by the same guy who once specified a tiller for the Cherubini 44 ketch! JC 2
The ONLY reason I would go for a wheel on a boat of this size is to gain cockpit room whilst underway. Boats of this size (like the Hunter 27) are notorious for half-hearted cockpits and are typically sailed with about 18 adults on board. Having them all pick up their feet every time you come about and then having them all crawl over the aft end of the tiller whilst you try to sheet in the jib makes sailing seem like a circus. That said-- the little 31-ft yawl that my dad drew in 1961 (and my next construction project) has a tiller-- which is really cool because it's IN FRONT OF the mizzen. Just when you thought it was safe to have a wheel.... The guy at Covey Island BW (builder) said he thinks it's the best selling feature-- simple, unassuming, exactly what you want for the boat for Everyman. And there is NOTHING nicer than snuggling up to the aft corner of the cabin trunk with your compass and depth finder staring you straight in the face. A mere dodger covers you in wet weather without the need for a Bimini top. And there's room beside the mizzen step for two of those other people, which is all I'd want to have on the boat anyway. Then again this little boat was designed by the same guy who once specified a tiller for the Cherubini 44 ketch! JC 2
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