Changing from Tiller to a wheel

[SteveRafuse]

I have recently purchased a 27 O'Day that has a tiller. I am thinking about installing a Wheel. Has anyone done this and where could I get information or pricing? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Ben Allen]

The Feel Of The Wheel

Hi Steve,I considered this conversion for my O'Day 26 recently. Edson, who makes a large percentage of the steering systems today, offers a conversion kit for just about any boat. The cost will be around $1500, and will include the pedistal, wheel, wheel brake and all cables to connect to you rudder. Go to their web site for more information:http://www.edsonintl.com/Good luck with your decision.Ben AllenMontgomery, AL"Latte Dah"O'Day 26

 

[Bob]

Cost of conversion...

Hi Steve,I have the latest (2001) Edson catalogue. Hope you're sitting down:Transom Hung Rudder Steering SystemEdson Part #332-45-RLAPrice: $1,267.00 Plus shippingThis includes:1 #335-5-211 Pedestal1 #775-2S15B9 Chain/Wire rope assy1 #868-2 Internal conduit bracket2 #797-6 Pull-Pull conduit assy4 #646-4HEX Pedestal mounting bolts1 #949-6 RLA w/connecting hardwareNote that this does not include engine/transmission controls or steering wheel.The reason for this is that this system was engineered to fit 35 different boats. Due to varying engine/transmission types and cockpit room for wheel, including these would be difficult.BTW, I checked with a couple of repair shops and they were around $900.00 to install this system. So you're looking at over $2,000.00 for the complete system.Hope this helps. Just as an aside...I had a tiller on my previous boat. I'll never go back to one. But like anything else, it's a matter of opinion. You've got to do what's comfortable for you.Cheers,Bob

 

[B. Terry]

Tiller or wheel?

I have one of the few O'day 28's built with a tiller. Although it is a beamy boat that can get a heavy helm, I don't think I would switch. The tiller gives me a MUCH better feel and lets me know when it's time to take a reef. It also positions the helmsman (and crew)further forward and improves the balance of the boat. Plus you can lift the tiller out of the way to give you alot more room in the cockpit to celebrate after you beat all those other boats with wheels.

 

[Vic]

A Bigger turning radius

will probably be one problem with a conversion as the tiller range may be greater that the wheel range because of the conversion mechanics. At least that is the difference between the 272 and the 272le which has a wheel but that is basically a converted tiller setup.VicSeven

 

[Ben McAndrew]

27 or 272

Hi.Iw matters if your boat is a 27 or 272. You need to make that destinction. A 272 it the newer O'Day version of this length that has a Stern-hung rudder and the 27 is the older version with the rudderpost going through the hull to a skeg-hung rudder under the transom. I think the assembly for the 272 might be a little mire complicated and you might very well wind up with a *Slightly* larger turning radius. However if the pedistal steering ststem is installed and tuned right in the 27, it shouldn't impede on performance at all.- Ben McAndrew