Cat 27 wheel vs tiller steering

[Dan Wahlstrom]

Anybody, I am looking for some advice. I find the tiller steering I currently have is not very accomodating to the passengers I bring along. I am interested in a conversion to wheel steering. Has anyone done this and can recommend some products? Has anyone done this and lived to regret it? Thanks for your interest.Dan

 

[Peter]

wheel conversion

I know that this has been discussed in the archives, have a look. I also believe that Edson makes a good conversion kit. You'll likely have to check out another c27 to get basic measurements from...or at least that will make it easier for you. That said, although your passengers may initially find using a wheel easier, the tiller has better feel, and takes up a lot less cockpit room, especially at the dock or anchored where you can move it completely out of the way. Nevertheless, good luck with the conversion...I hear it's pricey.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Handling will be compromised

One of the nice things about a C-27 is its responsivenss. You'll lose quite a bit of it, and related "feel", if you convert to wheel steering. Even in my '81 C-30, the pedestal and wheel take up a lot of room at anchor and without a "T" shaped cockpit, there's not much leg room to get around the wheel when moving around the cockpit. I've owned both a C-27 with a tiller and a C-30 with a wheel. I wouldn't convert a C-27 to a wheel, nor would I convert it to midboom sheeting (another tempting mod).

 

[Randy]

Tiller to Wheel

Edson has a "Steering Data Sheet" specifically for the Catalina 27. If you contact them, they will certainly send it to you. It outlines the components required to add wheel steering to the 27. I've sailed a C 27 with a tiller (once), and I own a C 27 with a wheel. I prefer the wheel. Yes, the tiller is quick and direct, but for casual sailing, with guests taking a turn steering, the wheel is better for me. It also lends somewhat of a "big boat" feel.Randy