Great site--thanks for being here! I was wondering if anyone has converted from tiller steering to a wheel? Any foreseen pro's or con's to making this change for a 26' boat? Thanks again for the help and happy holidays!
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Lack of cockpit space
would be the reasons why I would not convert to a wheel. We have a 34 ft'er and we have a tiller and see no reason to change. When anchored, we tilt the tiller up and secure it to the backstay. With a wheel we would always have the pedestal in the way. My 2 cents, but I wouldn't convert on a 26 ft'er.
would be the reasons why I would not convert to a wheel. We have a 34 ft'er and we have a tiller and see no reason to change. When anchored, we tilt the tiller up and secure it to the backstay. With a wheel we would always have the pedestal in the way. My 2 cents, but I wouldn't convert on a 26 ft'er.
Seen it done on a 26
There must be all of 6 inches between the wheel and the pushpit. They can't sit behind the wheel, so I just don't see an advantage. It also has some super clunky link between the steering and the outboard.
There must be all of 6 inches between the wheel and the pushpit. They can't sit behind the wheel, so I just don't see an advantage. It also has some super clunky link between the steering and the outboard.
Friend of mine on a 25
He had lost of problems. One of the Edison parts keep breaking. He did make a new piece myself to fix it, but ended up selling the boat and moving up.
He had lost of problems. One of the Edison parts keep breaking. He did make a new piece myself to fix it, but ended up selling the boat and moving up.
Also interested
I own an ODay 25 and I'm keenly interested in switching from a tiller to a wheel. Tired of sweeping the cockpit of my folks whenever I tack. Whew!! Big decision!
I own an ODay 25 and I'm keenly interested in switching from a tiller to a wheel. Tired of sweeping the cockpit of my folks whenever I tack. Whew!! Big decision!
I would think long and hard about it
consider having the pedestal in the cockpit all of the time; under sail, at anchor... vs asking your crew to move their knees when you tack.
consider having the pedestal in the cockpit all of the time; under sail, at anchor... vs asking your crew to move their knees when you tack.
My buddy did
My buddy put a wheel on his Hunter 23.5. He always wanted a wheel. He had issues with the cables coming off in one race. Also he needs to lock down his rudder with a C-clamp, because if the rudder tips back at all, the torque to turn the rudder increases greatly. I've sailed it, and I still prefer a tiller. Joe
My buddy put a wheel on his Hunter 23.5. He always wanted a wheel. He had issues with the cables coming off in one race. Also he needs to lock down his rudder with a C-clamp, because if the rudder tips back at all, the torque to turn the rudder increases greatly. I've sailed it, and I still prefer a tiller. Joe
I agree with David
In fact I am dreading the decision to move to a larger boat that does not have a tiller. Anyone who has raced or sailed for any extent usually prefers a tiller for the feel and reliability. Many new sailors want the wheel because they are easier to learn to steer the boat left and right. Learn how to sail with a tiller first then try a boat with a wheel before you start cutting into your boat. If you do convert to a wheel you better make sure you can retrofit a tiller. That wheel mechanism WILL break eventually and it will happen at the most inconvenient time. David, what is your boat? Tim R.
In fact I am dreading the decision to move to a larger boat that does not have a tiller. Anyone who has raced or sailed for any extent usually prefers a tiller for the feel and reliability. Many new sailors want the wheel because they are easier to learn to steer the boat left and right. Learn how to sail with a tiller first then try a boat with a wheel before you start cutting into your boat. If you do convert to a wheel you better make sure you can retrofit a tiller. That wheel mechanism WILL break eventually and it will happen at the most inconvenient time. David, what is your boat? Tim R.
Don't convert
Brian, I wouldn't convert from tiller to wheel if I had a 26' boat already set up with a tiller. It seems to me that most boats in that small cruiser size up to about 30' have that space problem in the cockpit that is awkward no matter if you have tiller or wheel. Each creates different problems, but on balance, the tiller probably gives you better room and a better feel for the boat. I would think that if you do a lot of solo sailing, a tiller is better suited. We have a wheel on our 27' boat and I have to admit that I like it because we don't have to play musical chairs with every tack and gybe. OTOH, it is a nuisance to climb around in our smallish cockpit. When we bought the boat, it wasn't a significant issue, in my mind, to turn me off from the boat. If this is a big issue for you and you really want wheel steering, why not put your boat on the market and shop for something more suitable to you? Good luck and happy holidays ... in just a few, we will turn the corner and the days will be getting longer!
Brian, I wouldn't convert from tiller to wheel if I had a 26' boat already set up with a tiller. It seems to me that most boats in that small cruiser size up to about 30' have that space problem in the cockpit that is awkward no matter if you have tiller or wheel. Each creates different problems, but on balance, the tiller probably gives you better room and a better feel for the boat. I would think that if you do a lot of solo sailing, a tiller is better suited. We have a wheel on our 27' boat and I have to admit that I like it because we don't have to play musical chairs with every tack and gybe. OTOH, it is a nuisance to climb around in our smallish cockpit. When we bought the boat, it wasn't a significant issue, in my mind, to turn me off from the boat. If this is a big issue for you and you really want wheel steering, why not put your boat on the market and shop for something more suitable to you? Good luck and happy holidays ... in just a few, we will turn the corner and the days will be getting longer!
Tiller needn't force movement!
Several issues with tillers may be easily addressed: Banging knees. A curved tiller that rises from the rudder post, then arcs forward can lift the moving end above anyone's knees. If I'm hauling the tiller back into my stomach, I'm certainly stalling the rudder, and need to think of reefing. Moving when we tack. If there is plenty of crew in the cockpit, then teach them how to handle the lines, and just stay on the leeward side when you tack. The view isn't quite as good, but I can see the foresail better, and assign look-outs for other craft, and sail shapes I can't see. The only forced moves in our cockpit relate to the traveler, which interferes with the aft end of the cockpit. But that is usually an easy adjustment. David Lady Lillie
Several issues with tillers may be easily addressed: Banging knees. A curved tiller that rises from the rudder post, then arcs forward can lift the moving end above anyone's knees. If I'm hauling the tiller back into my stomach, I'm certainly stalling the rudder, and need to think of reefing. Moving when we tack. If there is plenty of crew in the cockpit, then teach them how to handle the lines, and just stay on the leeward side when you tack. The view isn't quite as good, but I can see the foresail better, and assign look-outs for other craft, and sail shapes I can't see. The only forced moves in our cockpit relate to the traveler, which interferes with the aft end of the cockpit. But that is usually an easy adjustment. David Lady Lillie
Thanks for the help!
Thanks everyone for all the help! I'm going to leave it as is. I knew it was a tough nut to crack when Don Casey's book merely mentions checking with the manufacturer for a kit that will fit your boat! (Mine's an orphan since the Moorman and Tidewater companies no longer make them, so no help there.) Besides, I can certainly live with it the way it is. Thanks again!
Thanks everyone for all the help! I'm going to leave it as is. I knew it was a tough nut to crack when Don Casey's book merely mentions checking with the manufacturer for a kit that will fit your boat! (Mine's an orphan since the Moorman and Tidewater companies no longer make them, so no help there.) Besides, I can certainly live with it the way it is. Thanks again!
Brian, probably a good decision
I have a CS 27 of which 483 were built. The vast majority came with tillers but a handful of later boats did leave the factory with a wheel option. My boat has the tiller but I have been on one that has the wheel. The ergonomics are poor, especially for single handing....there is no seat behind the wheel, its hard to reach the traveller and mainsheet, and movement in the cockpit is restricted. The conclusion, there are probably big compromises when you add a wheel to a boat designed for a tiller. Kevin
I have a CS 27 of which 483 were built. The vast majority came with tillers but a handful of later boats did leave the factory with a wheel option. My boat has the tiller but I have been on one that has the wheel. The ergonomics are poor, especially for single handing....there is no seat behind the wheel, its hard to reach the traveller and mainsheet, and movement in the cockpit is restricted. The conclusion, there are probably big compromises when you add a wheel to a boat designed for a tiller. Kevin
Back to Tillers
I read somewhere recently that world cruisers were converting from wheel to tiller... Fewer parts to break. Easier to rig self steering, More room in the cockpit. Auto helm cheaper and more reliable.
I read somewhere recently that world cruisers were converting from wheel to tiller... Fewer parts to break. Easier to rig self steering, More room in the cockpit. Auto helm cheaper and more reliable.
Nice boat Dave
I used to sail a SJ21. very rare here in the NE boat a great boat to learn coastal sailing in. I now sail a Pearson 28 which is a wonderful boat. The best pocket cruiser I have ever sailed. great for racing too. Tim R.
I used to sail a SJ21. very rare here in the NE boat a great boat to learn coastal sailing in. I now sail a Pearson 28 which is a wonderful boat. The best pocket cruiser I have ever sailed. great for racing too. Tim R.
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