Hunter 26 Tiller to Wheel Conversion. Any thought

[Rob Sherrill]

Recently I sold my H-27 to a friend and he has me researching the possibility of converting the tiller to a wheel system. I have gotten the information from Edison and it looks like they say it can be done for about $1500 and some change. This is of course without labor and it looks like this is something that is relatively simply.I am looking for anyone who has undertaken the task of this conversion and wishes to share their experiences, thoughts, "surprises", suggestions, recommendations.Thanks for the effort.

 

[Neil Smith]

tiller conversion

I too ahve considered, but not yet done the conversion. But Edson left me a bit cold. An alternative that I think you might like is the Whitlock system. It's rack & pinion as opposed to chain and cable, has no "play" like the Edson and therefore offers the same feel of a tiller, without the sloppiness of a "lined" system. I'm gonna do it, just gotta stash some cash first because the Whitlock system is pretty pricey. About $2K (including compass, wheel brake, all the goodies.) Check out the site at www.pyiinc.com, go to the whitlock site and the guy I talked to (very informative and just a really nice guy) was Chuck Luscomb. The thing that impressed me was that the steering with Whitlock was positive. Period. There was no slop, and those that I've talked to who have converted to the Edson system have all, each and every one of them, indicated that periodic "tuning of the system" is necessary for precise steering. With Whitlock, sure you've got to look at it periodically, but it's basically goof-proof. I WILL make this transition this year, and know that it's more expensive. But I sure don't want to have to go into contortions to go deep below to adjust the system. Just a thought, and only my personal observations. Good luck.Neil Smith"Ciao Bella" '78 H-27

 

[jcherubini]

H-27 steering... again.

This is an issue I have written on several times before. You might check the archives to find some those posts from December.Edson in fact makes not only pedestal steering systems but the finest rack-and-pinion sterning gear in the world. This would take the place of the lazzarette 'ice chest' at the end of the H-27 cockpit, slip right over the rudder head, and leave most of the already-cramped cockpit clear. Best of all it looks good, very clean and 'yachty'. I forget the part number (it's in my archived posts) but the unit retails for something like $750. If you are even reasonably local I could do the work for you myself. [wink] I doubt it would run into $1500.Pedestal steering systems are notorious for cables jumping sheaves, wire clamps giving out, and other nightmares. The rack-and-pinion and worm-drive gears do not jam when even nominally lubed and do NOT require an emergency tiller since they themselves are to be relied upon in the worst of conditions.In looking for an H-27 myself I have vowed not to buy any pedestal-equipped boat and then do what Hunter should have done all along– equip the boat with the simpler, more intelligent rack-and-pinion gear. After all the only reason why they installed the pedestal in the first place was to make the boat 'feel' bigger– and it comes off as a toy anyway.I am not afflilated with Edson in any way but– do the right thing. [smile]J Cherubini IICherubini Art & Nautical Design Org.JComet@aol.com

 

[mike casey]

26.5 tiller to wheel

I CONVERTED TO WHEEL STEERING ON MY 26.5AND FOUND IT TO BE TIME CONSUMING SINCEI HAD NEVER DONE IT BEFORE BUT ALSO VERYREWARDING. IT IS A GREAT UPGRADE AND YOUWILL FIND THE BOAT HANDLES AND PERFORMS SO MUCH BETTER. I HAVE THE WORKING BLUE-PRINTS, DRAWINGS, PIECES & PARTS AS WELLAS "MENTAL NOTES" IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME. YOU WON'T BE SORRY FOR THE UPGRADE. IT ALSO ADDS TO THE RE-SALE VALUE IF YOU SELL. THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD OF ADVICE IS PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE. IF YOU ARE NOT HANDY WITH TOOLS AND SUCH, GET A FRIEND TO HELP THAT IS. IT IS BEST TO HAUL THE BOAT OUT RATHER THAN ATTEMPT THIS PROJECT IN THE WATER. TOO MUCH CHANCE FOR WATER TO ENTER THE BOAT AND IT IS NOT A QUICK PROJECT.