Converting Beneteau 265 from tiller to wheel

[George]

Looking for someone's knowledge as to the ability to convert a First 265 from tiller to wheel steering. I know that many boat models that come with either as an option are usually fairly easy to convert from one to the other since the boat was designed for either one. And one further question would be how difficult is it to do? If you would like to e-mail any info, my e-mail is gibucki@mchsi.com.Thanks,George Buckingham

 

[Tim]

Go to Edson site

Go to the Edson website, www.edsonmarine.com, and request a quote for the system. They'll give you a complete list of everything required to do the job (if they have the boat in their database, which is pretty likely).Of course, it doesn't include labor, but you'd be surprised how easy the job might be. They spec'd out my old First 32, and once I got the list and looked at the catalog to see how they were "planning" it, it was a lot easier than what I had imagined. I never did it because I ended up selling the boat, but it would have only been about $1800 for all the parts!Good luck,Tim

 

[Randy]

Wheel for 265

Before you add a wheel to that sized boat, I'd find a boat with a similar sized cockpit and a wheel and see how much space you'll be giving up. I've seen them on 26 and 28 footers and it looks like you will giving up alot of space.