Beneteau FIRST 32 tiller to wheel conversion

[WILQ]

Hi,
I have a 1981 FIRST 32 for two years. The boat is lovely and I am considering installation a wheel.
I have seen many photos of FIRST 32 that carried a wheel instead of tiller. Was it a production version or those boats had been rebuilt?
Could anybody advice me on where to get a replacement kit? The other problem is a starboard cockpit locker which will not open when carrying a wheel - any suggestions on how rebuild the locker lid?
I will welcome any suggestions, drawings or pictures.

 

[Stu Jackson]

www.edsonmarine.com has the information on the conversion kit.

The diameter of the wheel will determine whether or not you can open your locker.

 

[WILQ]

Thanks, Stu

www.edsonmarine.com has the information on the conversion kit.

The diameter of the wheel will determine whether or not you can open your locker.

I have asked Edsonmarine and wait for their reply. As to a locker lid - it seems folding wheel may help (ex. Lewmar Folding Wheel).

 

[BobM]

I looked into doing this a while back. Dr marine.com sells a lot of Edson stuff cheaper. I strongly suggest you check them out. It is a lot of work to install a wheel for sure. I decided to buy a different boat due to a survey failure, but it probably isn't worth doing on an older boat unless you plan to keep it for awhile. In my case my back can't tolerate operating a tiller. Sitting with my torso rotated like that kills it.