Helm conversion question
- Thread starter AADIVER
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Based on cockpit pictures I just viewed online, it's easily done and with the sale of the pedestal system you should have a bucket of money left over.
Let me know if you need a rudder head and matching tiller fork, I'll make you a real deal, don't have the wood tiller though. Should be easy to find at Catalina Direct, H&L Marine Woodwork in Compton or maybe even Minney's in Newport Beach.
Let me know if you need a rudder head and matching tiller fork, I'll make you a real deal, don't have the wood tiller though. Should be easy to find at Catalina Direct, H&L Marine Woodwork in Compton or maybe even Minney's in Newport Beach.
Neil, where online did you see cockpit pictures? Here's the Craig's List listing of the 30 I want to buy. It belongs to a member of our yacht club:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/2033768225.html
Just checked your resume. Sounds like you're the main man to do my helm conversion. Also, we're both bubble blowers. I'm a co-founder of the California Wreck Divers. Here's my website: http://mysite.verizon.net/aa.diver
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/2033768225.html
Just checked your resume. Sounds like you're the main man to do my helm conversion. Also, we're both bubble blowers. I'm a co-founder of the California Wreck Divers. Here's my website: http://mysite.verizon.net/aa.diver
Here's where I saw the rudder post top configuration for an 83:
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...55356/Oxnard/CA/United-States&boat_id=2255356
second picture in the series.
I did the opposite conversion you're considering - tiller to wheel - explaining why I have tiller hardware available.
Not diving like I used to, need to lose some weight. You wreck diver guys are a little more hard core than I ever was. PM me off list, we'll chat.
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...55356/Oxnard/CA/United-States&boat_id=2255356
second picture in the series.
I did the opposite conversion you're considering - tiller to wheel - explaining why I have tiller hardware available.
Not diving like I used to, need to lose some weight. You wreck diver guys are a little more hard core than I ever was. PM me off list, we'll chat.
Why did you go from a tiller to a wheel helm? Tiller's are more responsive, with more room in the cockpit, and less chance of mechanical failure.
If it wasn't for shipwrecks, I doubt I'd still be diving. Still splashing at 78.
If it wasn't for shipwrecks, I doubt I'd still be diving. Still splashing at 78.
I wanted a wheel because:
1. Instrumentation at the helm - GPS, knotmeter, depth, radar, autopilot, compass - all at my fingertips
2. Clean, higher tech autopilot than a tillermaster - mine is a Raymarine ST4000+, interfaces with GPS.
3. My tillered C30 was a bear to steer, both under sail and especially under power.
4. Makes me feel important.
5. Great cupholder.
Would love to see your new boat, also invite you over to mine. Anytime.
1. Instrumentation at the helm - GPS, knotmeter, depth, radar, autopilot, compass - all at my fingertips
2. Clean, higher tech autopilot than a tillermaster - mine is a Raymarine ST4000+, interfaces with GPS.
3. My tillered C30 was a bear to steer, both under sail and especially under power.
4. Makes me feel important.
5. Great cupholder.
Would love to see your new boat, also invite you over to mine. Anytime.
I'm a gonna buy her, sea trial on Thursday, high noon, Gangway DD, Shoreline Marina. You're welcome to join us, the owner Lee Melody, my sailing partner Bob Terpening, and moi. Based on your input, I'm a gonna keep the wheel ;-)
Thanks for the invite but previously scheduled obligations will keep me land bound. You should have glorious weather.
Oh-oh, now I'm feelin' guilty. I wasn't trying to change your mind, just spewing my preference after being invited to do so. I'm sure there's a bunch of tiller guys out there whose preference is equally compelling.
Having a wheel is a nice feature. I grew up with tillers but now that I have gotten use to my wheel I wouldn't trade it!
i have a 36 inch destroyer wheel which allows little me - 5'6" - to easily steer from the rail which i consider a giant improvement over standing behind the wheel and also gives me much more visibility forward and of the jib telltales. consider this over a tilller. maybe this is why i have never heard of such a conversion. anybody know if bigger wheels were standard on later boats? i'm 5961,
Helm stool
I bought a little 9" high step stool from Ace Hardware for ten bucks. It sits on top the aft lazerette, just high enough to steer and see over the traveler. It's also available from stores that sell As Seen On Tv stuff. It's called an E-Z FOLDZ FOLDING STEP STOOL.
I bought a little 9" high step stool from Ace Hardware for ten bucks. It sits on top the aft lazerette, just high enough to steer and see over the traveler. It's also available from stores that sell As Seen On Tv stuff. It's called an E-Z FOLDZ FOLDING STEP STOOL.
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I have never in my life heard of anyone wanting to voluntarily go from a wheel to a tiller steering.The just sounds crazy to me. I've had a Cat. 25 w a tiller, and it would just about break your arm after 3-4 hours sailing in heavy weather. You can't leave them alone for even a second unless U want to round up, jibe, or maybe capsize. Once U have a wheel there's no going back - it's not even a comparison. Wheels are just as responsive, & U can lock em down & take a pee if your single handed. The "benefits" of a tiller are only 4 guys too cheap to bother w/ a wheel.
ps. I noticed the pic U have of yourself is behind a wheel. Tiller, not nearly as impressive. Most people buy a Cat 30 for the feel of a "big" boat, not a wheezy tiller! I don't know of a single C 30 left w/ the original stick steering. That's why Catalina stopped selling 'em, cause it sucked steering such a big heavy boat w/ a stick, nuff' said.
Hey watch it! Some of us like our tiller boats!! 
And, now you also know of at least one boat with a tiller that has no intention of switching. I dunno about you guys, but I don't want to be climbing around a wheel all the time! I just jam the extension in the seat back and she sails herself!
This pic was taken right after I installed the self-tailing winches..I hadn't even sucked the wood chips out of the coaming yet.
And, now you also know of at least one boat with a tiller that has no intention of switching. I dunno about you guys, but I don't want to be climbing around a wheel all the time! I just jam the extension in the seat back and she sails herself!
This pic was taken right after I installed the self-tailing winches..I hadn't even sucked the wood chips out of the coaming yet.
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we put in a lewmar folding wheel and it was one of our favorite upgrades. Feels really good on the hands and I spend 80% of my time sitting on the port rail steering and really like the comfort of that position and I have so much more visibilty . Folding wheels are pricey but sure does reduce the stress in my neck and arms and it's the only way we could get the size wheel we wanted and still be able to move around easily while in slip.
I knew I was gonna hear about if I criticized the classic tiller & all. Sure they're venerable, much like the Atomic Bomb & such. But as I get older I guess I just want things to be easier to deal with, not harder. As far as being in the way, my P.O. installed a lil strap on the stern rail where U can clip on the wheel when not in use, nice idea. As far as the tiller, to each, there own.
I can't resist: friend of ours was doing a little cruise and raft up with a bunch of other boats..... last morning, they got everything together, motor started, all set and put it in forward.......then realized he had not reattached the wheel
.... he had one of those special places to store the wheel when not in use too!! - Status