C250: Wheel or Tiller

[TC]

Hi all,I am thinking of getting a Catalina 250 but not sure if I should go for the wheel or stay with tiller.Please help! Thanks in advance for your advice!TC

 

[Ken Cobb]

Inboard engine?

Can you even have a wheel if you have an outboard engine? If not, then your first question must be whether or not you want the boat to have an inboard engine.

 

[Mark Melchior]

Here are a few relevant threads . . .

On our Catalina 25/250 National Association messageboard, we've discussed this many times. Here are a few relevant threads from our old messageboard:http://www.trailersailor.com/webbbs/catalina25/archive/index.cgi?read=15103http://www.trailersailor.com/webbbs/catalina25/archive/index.cgi?read=17444http://www.trailersailor.com/webbbs/catalina25/archive/index.cgi?read=16438http://www.trailersailor.com/webbbs/catalina25/archive/index.cgi?read=19306If you want to ask the question again (and given the information found in the links above, you may not), then visit our new messageboard at:http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/And, with all due respect to Ken in his post about inboards, why is this an issue? The steering cables in no way invade the aft berth area where the inboard would be located. The cables run between the deck and deck liner.

 

[Gary Clarke]

To wheel or ..not to wheel

Hey T.C.I used to have a C22 with tiller, some say it's more responsive, but Not that I can tell. Now I have a C250 with the wheel...I LOVE IT! More room in the cockpit, snazzier looking, my wife and friends can more easily operate it. It has a higher resale value.....For my boat dollar...."Go The WHEEL>

 

[Rob R.]

Age old question

Feel them both out, then go with what you like. Remeber this - if you are going to be the skipper, you are going to spend a ton of time with your hand on the wheel/tiller. I guarantee you that you will be happier steering your vessel with the mechanism of your choice - imagine buying a boat with a wheel, only to steer your slip mate's boat and find you prefer a tiller... Or vice versa for that matter.That being said, I have a C-27 (a good bit heavier than a C-25) and I love my tiller. I have driven a wheel, and will concede some of its advantages. However, I really like the feel of the tiller. It is a very visceral thing to be directly connected to the rudder.In any event - you are gonna have a ton of fun. Best of Luck -Rob

 

[puffin]

wheel wins for me

I sailed a Precision 21 with tiller and recently upgraded to a C250 wing keel with a wheel. While the tiller certainly gives you a bit more of a direct and responsive feel, I wouldn't go back. The wheel provides for a more comfortable cockpit, holds its position better when left for a few seconds, and seems to give me better maneuverability in reverse. Good luck with your decision.