I wanted to know if anyone had advise regarding adding Wheel Steering to the H-26. Anything from what type of wheel, to general suggestions and comments welcome. It is a 1996 Model.
- Status
No one makes it anymore..
Per Crazy Dave (the resident expert on the 26 and it's siblisngs) I don't this is really feasible anymore. Search the archives as the issues is dicussed with some frequency. That last time I saw it he said it wasn't feasible. I did, however, just see a 1995 with wheel steering this past weekend in Solomons Island, MD. It was a nice looking job.
Per Crazy Dave (the resident expert on the 26 and it's siblisngs) I don't this is really feasible anymore. Search the archives as the issues is dicussed with some frequency. That last time I saw it he said it wasn't feasible. I did, however, just see a 1995 with wheel steering this past weekend in Solomons Island, MD. It was a nice looking job.
Why?
A wheel will take up space without giving you any needed leverge on a 26 footer. Just curious why you would want one? David Lady Lillie
A wheel will take up space without giving you any needed leverge on a 26 footer. Just curious why you would want one? David Lady Lillie
Personal choice
I put one on my 1981 H22 and I love it. Makes docking easier, I added a bench across the back so I run everything from the stern. It allows four people to sit or 2 to lay without being chased around by the helmsman. Also the top turned out to fit 3 or 4 drink holders perfectly. I'd never go back to a tiller. I retrofitted an Edson unit salvaged ($250.00) from a junk 60' yacht. Customized the pulley system for the 22 and voila, Edson wheel steering for under 5 bills. There is a unit for sale for 4 bills at Nautical traders in salem MA that looks to be perfect for a 26. And it's a bit taller than mine.
I put one on my 1981 H22 and I love it. Makes docking easier, I added a bench across the back so I run everything from the stern. It allows four people to sit or 2 to lay without being chased around by the helmsman. Also the top turned out to fit 3 or 4 drink holders perfectly. I'd never go back to a tiller. I retrofitted an Edson unit salvaged ($250.00) from a junk 60' yacht. Customized the pulley system for the 22 and voila, Edson wheel steering for under 5 bills. There is a unit for sale for 4 bills at Nautical traders in salem MA that looks to be perfect for a 26. And it's a bit taller than mine.
Wheel possibility
I know someone in Utah who said they had one stockpiled (a former dealer). I can put you in touch if you like.
I know someone in Utah who said they had one stockpiled (a former dealer). I can put you in touch if you like.
H 26 wheel steering
This boat used the push pull rod system. Edson use to be the supplier. There were a couple of parts that were manufactured by Edson specifically for this boat by them to include a riser plate. They no longer make the special parts to discourage wheel steering on the Hunter 26 but you can buy the wheel steering. I have one riser plate but that will remain here. However, I scraped that damn riser plate and did things a little different. If you are good with glass, then you can install it. I use to cut about 12 inches of the foot rest out of the cockpit floor and relaid with new glass. Also, I went underneath and strengenthened the floor with marine ply which we glassed in. That brought the wheel steering down to an acceptable level plus it was not so far up in the cockpit. If you see any boats out there with this configuration, it came from me. From there, I cannot recall the other part but that was figured out as we went. One thing with the push pull rod system, you cannot bend it to sharp or it can break. If you have some one that is good with the glass, I have given you some good advice for installation. By the way, the Edson folks were amazed at what we did. The 260 is a different story. If you have tiller and want to convert to wheel, you will need to order a new deck plate or simply make a modification to the current deck plate to beef it up so it will not flex with the wheel steering installed.
This boat used the push pull rod system. Edson use to be the supplier. There were a couple of parts that were manufactured by Edson specifically for this boat by them to include a riser plate. They no longer make the special parts to discourage wheel steering on the Hunter 26 but you can buy the wheel steering. I have one riser plate but that will remain here. However, I scraped that damn riser plate and did things a little different. If you are good with glass, then you can install it. I use to cut about 12 inches of the foot rest out of the cockpit floor and relaid with new glass. Also, I went underneath and strengenthened the floor with marine ply which we glassed in. That brought the wheel steering down to an acceptable level plus it was not so far up in the cockpit. If you see any boats out there with this configuration, it came from me. From there, I cannot recall the other part but that was figured out as we went. One thing with the push pull rod system, you cannot bend it to sharp or it can break. If you have some one that is good with the glass, I have given you some good advice for installation. By the way, the Edson folks were amazed at what we did. The 260 is a different story. If you have tiller and want to convert to wheel, you will need to order a new deck plate or simply make a modification to the current deck plate to beef it up so it will not flex with the wheel steering installed.
- Status