convertsion to wheel

[Dan F]

I have been told by a broker that to concert a Catalina 27 with a tiller to a wheel is a relatively simple proceedure with a "wheel conversion kit". Does anyone have experience with this and what it may cost?

 

[nbrand]

conversion

Cost is 3-5 thousand

 

[Bob Camarena]

I wouldn't do it

You don't really have anything to gain. One of the nice things about the C-27 is its responsiveness. Going from a tiller to a wheel is going to take some of that away and reduce the "feel" that the tiller has. Also, at anchor or at the dock, the tiller can be pushed up out of the way while the wheel will still be there taking up room. Newer boats have a T-shaped cockpit to give more room to get by the wheel. Older boats will be cramped. Also, an older C-27 is likely to have end-boom sheeting. To get clearance to stand behind a wheel you'd have to convert to midboom sheeting with a cabin-top traveler. This will cost more and will result in additional loss of responsiveness.All in all, the C-27 is much better suited for a tiller.

 

[Joe]

What's the point?

The cockpit isn't designed for the wheel. If you can afford the conversion, you'd be better off selling your current boat and finding one with a wheel, for whatever reason you may have. By the way, is the broker trying to sell you the tiller model?

 

[Ken Johnson]

Conversion to wheel

Dan,I have a C27TR with a wheel and love. Now, let me say that I knew this is what I wanted and looked for a boat with a wheel rather then a tiller. I think its all personal preference. Had I bought a boat with a tiller I would not go the the trouble, time and expense to convert it to a wheel. Save that money and apply it to another boat that is set up more like you want it.Ken

 

[Steve]

Talk to Edson

Edson sells a conversion kit for almost any model of boat from tiller to wheel. When I wanted to convert my '74 Cal 27 to wheel steering, they had a recommended parts list and a drawing. I finally decided to sell the boat and get a C-30 instead, but the conversion isn't huge if you're handy.Like the previous post said, owever, you might be better off if you just buy a boat that is set up as you want instead of converting an existing one. It makes more financial sense.

 

[Augie Byllott]

Wheel Steering

When I was looking at a Catalina 30, the fact that it had a tiller looked like a deal breaker until I was able to negotiate $3,000 off the price to pay for a wheel installation. Since this was in a September, I figured that the job would be done over the winter. I sailed in September, October, and part way through November. I enjoyed that tiller so much that the $3,000 bought a tiller-pilot, radar, and some other electronic goodies.Anytime a wheel sailor is aboard I can't resist showing-off how that C30 can spin on a dime. They're always amazed.