Converting wheel to Tiller

[Dave]

I was curious to know if anyone has converted back to a tiller from wheel. I feel that I would like the feel of a tiller better and more room in the cockpit. We own a 1979 Hunter 30. It has the emergency tiller hatch and bar where I could possibly lead off of. Any known problems? Thank you for any help.Dave

 

[Franklin]

Nope

No problems except resale value. You can remove the wheel if you want and just use the tiller. All the wheel does is turn the rudder at the same place the tiller would turn it. Most wheel systems use two blocks, two cables and a quadrant (a metal wheel around the rudder post). The tiller connects directly to the rudder post eliminating the need for all that other stuff, but then you also limit your options for autopilot too. A mechanical autopilot would work with a tiller as well as a below deck, but both are expensive (2.5 to 5k range).