272 Steering Conversion Kit

[agprice22]

I just purchased a 272 Steering Conversion Kit from a long-retired Oday dealer who used to sell a complete, original, Edson steering kit for the Oday 272. He sold them to buyers who wished to change from tiller to wheel on their 272s.

To my surprise, I find it is the original RLA (remote linear actuator) designed by Edson for the Oday 272.

I got the kit, which includes the pedestal and shift lever ring, and a 28" Destroyer wheel for slightly more than the price of the Destroyer wheel at today's prices. Mind you, he had this kit left over from the 1980's when he was a dealer. It is an antique, in original packaging and wrapping!

Anyway, my only worry is that my outboard motor mount will interfere with the actuator arm. I have to move my mount lower in the offseason anyway because the new Garelick mount doesn't put my Yamaha 9.9 longshaft low enough for my liking, just a little above the planing fin (?). I read the instructions for the installation, and the actuator arm needs to meet the leading edge of the rudder 1/2 way between the pintels. I hope the mount will be low enough to allow the arm to fit above it. To my advantage, I already use a remote throttle, so I don't have to worry how low the mount goes in relation to controlling the motor. I will probably convert the motor to use the pedestal throttle and shift controls. I could imagine having to fabricate a deeper mount to allow the motor to not interfere with the actuator arm in either the raised or lowered position.

So, has anyone experience with this combination: outboard with RLA (272 LE steering) ? If so, what wisdom would you pass along? If you did the installation yourself, what did you learn? What would you have done differently?

Thanks,

Andrew.

I'll post pictures when I do it, but it may be an offseason task, as the boat is at the dock now, and I would rather sail her now!

 

[DeltaBreeze]

Hi Andrew, Do you know if he has any more kits available for sale? The levers on mine are brittle/ broken and the RLA mount to the transom has seen better days. Did yours include the compass housing at the top of the pedestal? Thank you!

 

[agprice22]

I will ask him tomorrow. It does include the compass housing. I guess I better get a compass?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Pat]

Andrew, Pat here.....there was a pretty detailed set of instructions on line several years ago for the tiller to wheel conversion.....I went to google last evening to check it out but was not able to devote enough time....also check w/ Edson.....they are a great company and are happy to provide help...you probably know that...we met the Edson President and his wife at the Newport Boat Show last October....but they too had a
drawing that showed what had to be done to convert an O'Day 25 to the same linear
actuater system....we love our wheel...It makes sailing in higher winds possible for even
guests, etc.......keep in touch lad ! Good luck with your search and I'll continue looking
as well. Patrick

 

[Sunbird22358]

The RLA was apparently designed to be used on inboard-powered 272s, but I would echo the advice to contact EDSON as they may have some ideas.
The installation would be easier if the 272 did not have that molded in recess for the swim ladder, but Edson may have a way around the outboard bracket. If you had not got such a great deal on the RLA I might suggest investigating the newer "small boat" steering system Edson sells now (RLA does not seem to be made anymore) that uses a small quadrant on a tiller that fits through a hole directly in front of the rudder. Might still need to build a helm seat to cover that quadrant (I'm not remembering how much space a 272 has between the transom and aft end of the cockpit).

For some additional tips on installing the RLA, check out the July 1987 issue of SAIL Magazine if you can find a copy somewhere (I think it was July?), the article was written by an O'DAY 23 owner who worked for Schaefer Marine (next door neighbor to Edson!) and it is quite interesting.

 

[agprice22]

I read the instructions and took some rough measements, and the RLA will come through the transome just above my motor mount, and since my motor is mounted on wedges which hold it off the transom and square it to the water, it is set back far enough to clear the tie bar. When I move the motor a little lower, there will be even more room.

So, I think it will work fine. Additionally, As I said, I already have the throttle and shift cables run through the transom. They are above the RLA placement, so I foresee no problem there.

Again, I will wait til the end of the season to tackle this. I will send picks when I do!

Thanks,

Andrew