Converting a H25.5 from tiller to wheel

[David]

I just bought a Hunter 25.5 and love everything about it except the tiller. I saw an article about someone putting in a pedestal on a 26 and want to know if I Can Install a Pedestal that will work on my 25. If so, any ideas where to buy it?Thanks,A very happy Hunter owner.

 

[David Foster]

What's wrong with the tiller?

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[Bob Pattersen]

You can do it, but it will run you about $2,000, n

David,I contacted Edson International about installing a wheel on my Hunter 25.5, and just received the paperwork on Friday. They quoted me a price of $1,894.89 for the parts, not including labor. Also, the mechanicals for the mechanism rob you of most of the space in the rear berth. Also after doing some measuring, I realized I could never stand directly behind the wheel without banging my head on the backstay. Probably would have to install a split backstay to get around that problem. Best of Luck!Bob

 

[Eric Dreher]

We've thought of it too

I'd love a wheel, but I think you'd just lose too much space both in the cockpit and the aft berth. interesting to see a quote; I think we'll wait for the next [bigger] boat for a wheel. I do want an extension in the meantime.Where's your boat? We've got a Hunter 25.5 at Dodd St on Travis.

 

[Frank Ladd]

What is the deal.

Why would anyone want a wheel when they could have a tiller instead? is this a cosmetic/romantic idea? A wheel costs more, adds complication, reduces feed back, is less strong, require more maintenance, and takes up more space at anchor. Why would you want to put something on your boat that reduces sailing performance? Lastly a wheel makes auto pilots a much more expensive affair and sheet to wheel self steering is much harder to set up than sheet to tiller. So why do it?