change tiller to wheel?

Stu Jackson · Jul 4, 2013

Yes, hundreds have done so. Edson makes the conversion system www.edsonmarine.com

You also have to consider that most mods like this end up having, wanting or needing to move their engine cockpit panels from the cockpit well up to the side coaming.

Nahart51 · Jul 4, 2013

Remember, you will lose a lot of room with a wheel. Also, a lot of moving parts and little bit less of positive feel from the rudder. But, very intuitive , especially for non sailors.

Old Skool Neil · Jul 4, 2013

tmiller1116 said:
.... so, was wondering how hard/expensive it is to convert to a wheel???? . . . . . . Has anyone done it?

I've done it. I was a steering specialist at Columbia/Coronado Yachts and at Capital Yachts, probably installed around 50 systems all told, well make that 51 if we include my Catalina 30 (originally tiller steered). I've done rack and pinion push/pull systems, quadrant/sheave cable systems and on my C-30, a radial drive/conduit system.

Rather than wax poetic about myself, what would you like to know?

Expense can be anywhere from reasonable to obscene depending on where you source your system. New from Edson expect around $4K and that's just the parts. I bought mine from a salvor. It was originally on a Catalina 30 totaled in hurricane Charley a few years ago. Complete system excluding the autopilot and instruments (but including the instrument pods and compass) = $400.00

Related projects on my conversion were:

As Stu said, plan on relocating the engine instrument panel and shift and throttle controls. The old locations will require filling and cosmetic repair.
If your traveler is mounted to the cockpit seat as was typical on early tiller steered models you'll be relocating it to the cabintop and reconfiguring the mainsheet.
There's a stuffing box that should be installed on the rudder tube where it will be cut under the quadrant or radial drive. This requires at least a partial removal of the rudder. Full removal of the rudder will make things easier including drilling the index pin (bolt) for the quadrant/radial drive.
For a professional looking finish you'll have to make a shroud to cover the works in the quarter berth.

I would never consider this conversion if I were buying equipment new and paying professional rates for installation. Such an expense including all the possible side issues could easily approach $10K.

Anonymous 121765 · Jul 5, 2013

Tm,

The guys said like it is. If not feeling adequate to do the conversion yourself, talk to your boat friends, maybe they can put you on to someone good & reasonable.

To save $$$ buying a pedestal & quadrant (for your rudder post), check with the local used boat part places. You may find a decent shaped Edson to save some cash...

CR

Stu Jackson · Jul 5, 2013

Mr. Miller,

There is another option. Your wife is smart, right? After all, she married you. Given that she's so smart, she should be able to "learn" how to use a tiller. The whole "it's backwards" concept has absolutely no merit, since it is simply a lever used to create enough force to move the rudder. I'm sure with a little "non-engineer-speak" you could help her understand. Better yet, get her a gift of a women's sailing lesson. You might be amazed at the results. Given the cost of installing a wheel, she might actually be swayed by learning that the cost of the lesson and all the gifts you can buy her will be a lot less than the wheel. Also beats selling the boat and getting another one.

Good luck.

shipwreck66 · Jul 7, 2013

In a perfect world, where we all have perfect wives. When I went from tiller to wheel the change in my wife's sailing attitude was instantaneous, she now asks when WE are going out next. She loves the wheel, takes little physical effort, keeps her happy, I'm happy. I bought her a nice comfy elevated chair so she can see over the cabin, she can sit in one place, while I play deck monkey. I've never yet heard a woman say "oh, damn, I really wish you'd gotten one with a tiller.

JonnyQuest · Jul 7, 2013

Until I spring for a bigger boat, I'm keeping my tiller boat (27 ODay) but just ordered the version of the Tiller Clutch for heavier boats. I think this little bit of assistance will make sailing easier for the kids and The Admiral. Me too!

$80-ish bucks for it.

JonnyQuest · Jul 7, 2013

It's much like the Tiller Tamer or just lashing a control line to your tiller. Can obviously be done DIY with your own line:

http://blumhorst.com/potterpages/Photopoint/0005/cajun-tiller-tamer.htm

But I have heard/read good things about the Tiller Clutch in comparison to other products.

It's double or more the price of the tiller tamer but looks more functional. Here's the link:

http://www.wavefrontmarine.com/

jrowan · Jul 15, 2013

Neil is really an expert who as he said worked for a living building boats,
so his skill set is way above average. Installing a wheel is a major time & $$$ investment, which you will not get back when u sell your boat one day. I would enjoy learning with the tiller, & if U can't get your wife to use it as Stu suggests, then I would personally recommend selling a tiller boat & upgrading to a bigger boat that already has a wheel.

By all means invest & improve your C 30, but beware that sinking 4k or more into a wheel
steering will generally not make the boat worth 4 k more. Only do it if its worth it to you personally. My 2 cents.

change tiller to wheel?

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