I am considering converting my tiller steering system to a wheel (not because I want to, but I need some support moving from side to side when tacking. It's tough getting old) Can someone provide some specs on how the wheel is connected to the rudder. Pictures would be great as well as drawings. I suspect that with the swim ladder on one side of the transome and the OB motor mount on the other, it could be a problem. Thanks Charlie
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Better to just buy the LE ...
The steering box used on the 272 is no longer made and it was a tight fit at the end of the starboard lazarette when originally installed. Don't think there is a workable offset steering option currently available unless you can find someone who is parting out a 272. and it pops out the starboard stern just where your outboard is. vic #622
The steering box used on the 272 is no longer made and it was a tight fit at the end of the starboard lazarette when originally installed. Don't think there is a workable offset steering option currently available unless you can find someone who is parting out a 272. and it pops out the starboard stern just where your outboard is. vic #622
272 O'Day pedestal
Charley, I agree with Vic. You'd be better off trying to find a 227 LE. The LE not only had pedestal steering, but it also had a diesel inboard engine, which would make the boat a little more maneuverable. Last year, I delivered an 86 O'Day 227 with a wing keel from the Cape to Bristol RI. It had a Yamaha 4 stroke outboard which pushed that boat along pretty good when the wind wasn't favorable. If you're really adamant about keeping the boat and making the change though, Rudy Nickerson has some used pedestals up in his loft at D&R Marine. Like Vic mentioned though, it would also involve relocating your outboard to the Port side. I know that it's easy for someone to say "your better off getting an LE" because even if you do locate one, chances are that it may not be in as good condition as your boat. At least, you know what you have, right? Outside of that, the only thing I can say to you is, if you don't have an autopilot, you're really missing something. I'm kind of an old guy myself and I love to sail, but I don't like being a slave to the tiller. If there's plenty of sea room out there, I want to press a button and let it take over so that I can enjoy a coffee, or maybe cast a plug out for Stripers. So you may want to consider that idea, because personally I don't sail anywhere without my Autohelm ST 1000+. The best of luck Charley! Joe
Charley, I agree with Vic. You'd be better off trying to find a 227 LE. The LE not only had pedestal steering, but it also had a diesel inboard engine, which would make the boat a little more maneuverable. Last year, I delivered an 86 O'Day 227 with a wing keel from the Cape to Bristol RI. It had a Yamaha 4 stroke outboard which pushed that boat along pretty good when the wind wasn't favorable. If you're really adamant about keeping the boat and making the change though, Rudy Nickerson has some used pedestals up in his loft at D&R Marine. Like Vic mentioned though, it would also involve relocating your outboard to the Port side. I know that it's easy for someone to say "your better off getting an LE" because even if you do locate one, chances are that it may not be in as good condition as your boat. At least, you know what you have, right? Outside of that, the only thing I can say to you is, if you don't have an autopilot, you're really missing something. I'm kind of an old guy myself and I love to sail, but I don't like being a slave to the tiller. If there's plenty of sea room out there, I want to press a button and let it take over so that I can enjoy a coffee, or maybe cast a plug out for Stripers. So you may want to consider that idea, because personally I don't sail anywhere without my Autohelm ST 1000+. The best of luck Charley! Joe
I'd give EDSON a call
While it is true that EDSON no longer make the RLA (Remote Linear Actuator) wheel steering system (developed specifically for the 272 it is said?), they do have a newer system that they developed for outboard rudder steered boats. It is called the "Transom Hung Rudder System" Order#332-C250 and attaches to the rudder with a short tiller thru the transom. The mounting bracket mounts inside the transom and may require that you add a seat against the aft end of the cockpit, but you will most likely want a seat there anyway. I think this steerer was introduced to meet the needs of Catalina Yachts for their 250, but it is said to fit boats up to 27' (elsewhere it says 30'). Anyway, give Edson a call at (508) 995-9711 or check the web site below. Rod Johnson
While it is true that EDSON no longer make the RLA (Remote Linear Actuator) wheel steering system (developed specifically for the 272 it is said?), they do have a newer system that they developed for outboard rudder steered boats. It is called the "Transom Hung Rudder System" Order#332-C250 and attaches to the rudder with a short tiller thru the transom. The mounting bracket mounts inside the transom and may require that you add a seat against the aft end of the cockpit, but you will most likely want a seat there anyway. I think this steerer was introduced to meet the needs of Catalina Yachts for their 250, but it is said to fit boats up to 27' (elsewhere it says 30'). Anyway, give Edson a call at (508) 995-9711 or check the web site below. Rod Johnson
Wheel Conversion
Thanks for the info guys. I do have an auto tiller and have used it often. A great way to cruise. I picked up a pedistal, cables and quadrent from an Alberg and may be able to fabricate something. Moving the outboard to the port side is not an aption as the swim ladder is there. However, the boat is also for sale and I am looking at a larger O'Day if successful. Charlie
Thanks for the info guys. I do have an auto tiller and have used it often. A great way to cruise. I picked up a pedistal, cables and quadrent from an Alberg and may be able to fabricate something. Moving the outboard to the port side is not an aption as the swim ladder is there. However, the boat is also for sale and I am looking at a larger O'Day if successful. Charlie
Conversion
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Conversion
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Conversion
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Conversion
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Charlie - I have a O'Day 27 that was retrofitted with an Edson pedestal steering by a PO. The pedestal puts a lot of concentrated loading on the cockpit sole and it will have to be beefed up properly to address this: on my boat a piece of 3/4" ply was bonded to the underside of the cockpit and this seems stiff enough BUT any holes made in the sole for bolts, cables etc. should be properly "potted" with thickened epoxy to prevent rot developing in the existing core. Also, on my boat, the rudder post tube was a structural member that ran from the hull to the cockpit sole: it was cut to accomodate the quadrant that is bolted to the rudder post and this weakened the structure, resulting in some cracking of the sole radiating out from the upper rudder post bushing. More opportunity for rot to develop in the core. I don't think the original design was particularly well executed anyway, and the retrofit weakened it even further. I sure like having a big compass atop the binnacle & the throttle/trans levers are right at hand......all plus factors, but given that I have to take everything out of the boat in order to repair the rot and rebuild the whole works to get a stronger, rot resistant structure I wonder if a wheel conversion is worth the trouble. Maybe there's an easier way to solve your problem ??
Wheel Conversion
Thanks TT I am glad that you let me know about the cockpit sole and like the idea should I proceed. Last year I replaced balsa core on part of the deck so will certainly look after any potential problems with wet core. Sounds like your rudder is hung under the hull with a rudder post through the hull. This rudder is transome hung with brings up a lot of other problems. The boat is on the hard with a foot of snow on top and so nothing will happen untill spring except for some planning. Appreciate the comments. Charlie
Thanks TT I am glad that you let me know about the cockpit sole and like the idea should I proceed. Last year I replaced balsa core on part of the deck so will certainly look after any potential problems with wet core. Sounds like your rudder is hung under the hull with a rudder post through the hull. This rudder is transome hung with brings up a lot of other problems. The boat is on the hard with a foot of snow on top and so nothing will happen untill spring except for some planning. Appreciate the comments. Charlie
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