Installing a tiller on a 1987 272

[Northern Star]

Hello,
I own a 1987 Oday 272, equipped with a Wheel, and I consider removing it to install a tiller.
The previous owner kept a short tiller (picture) as a spare, in the case a cable would break in the system, so I have the connecting part.
What is the "perfect" size and shape of tiller for an Oday 272 ? I saw 46" somewhere, but it looks a bit too long. What do owners recommend ?
Thank you and have a wonderful 2015 saling year !

 

[agprice22]

I will be at my boat tomorrow. If you don't have the dimensions by then, I will get them to you.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[Northern Star]

Thank you Andrew.
My boat is currently freezing on its trailer, in the middle of a snowstorm !
I measured the stainless steel connecting part between the rudder and the tiller.
The tiller must be 2" wide by 1"1/2 high at the "root".
Do you enjoy sailing with the tiller ? I like the wheel, but it takes a lot of room in the cockpit...
Have a nice year.
Thierry

 

[agprice22]

Thank you Andrew. My boat is currently freezing on its trailer, in the middle of a snowstorm ! I measured the stainless steel connecting part between the rudder and the tiller. The tiller must be 2" wide by 1"1/2 high at the "root". Do you enjoy sailing with the tiller ? I like the wheel, but it takes a lot of room in the cockpit... Have a nice year. Thierry

I like the tiller, but it does take a lot of room in the cockpit too! It swings a wide arc. Coming about, it swings almost to the gunwale. It is a little awkward to swing the tiller right up to someone's belly while manuevering. We usually only seat guests forward of the tiller, so I can move to the high side when tacking. Ironically, I always wonder if a wheel might take less room because it doesn't swing through the cockpit. I like the idea of the transom mounted wheel used on some Island Packet yachts. The tiller is fast, though, and smooth. It has nice feel, but that is more a function of the rudder I guess. A tiller lock and a tiller extender handle are excellent additions! I have an autopilot, but since I am lake sailing, I never connect it. We tack every 10-15 minutes! I have considered trying a shorter tiller, but I figured it would have to be too short to handle in order to make a difference in the cockpit. Of course, a well balanced boat only takes a light touch, but boats don't always behave.

Your picture shows a rudder head that looks identical to mine. I will check my tiller tomorrow and let you know. 46" sounds pretty good, though.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[agprice22]

Here are the measurements:





Looks like 42 1/2" for the tiller.

I did find a phone number stamped on the bottom:





Here is the measurement of the rudder head:





Thanks,
Andrew

 

[Northern Star]

Hello,
Thank you very much for this information. I think I have the same rudder head. 42 1/2 seems a good choice, due to the big area of the rudder (not too short, not too long !).
I will start from that.
Have a nice week.
Thierry

 

[Bluemoon27]

Interesting thought. I've always had tillers,but my "new" Oday 322 has a extra large wheel, which takes up half of the already small cockpit.

I'm considering building an oval wheel, but haven't done anything yet.

Just a thought, I'm brainstorming about a vertical tiller & hiking stick attached to the steeling pedestal, but I doubt that would work out.




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[Apex]

we are considering going from tiller to wheel, just as many have already reasoned, for comfort of wife and guests tacking. With the work involved modifying the rudder post tube, adding quadrant, etc....I may rethink that strategy.

For larger wheels, Lewmar? makes a wheel that has spokes which collapse in. I have seen many hunters with this type of wheel. I also saw a boat ad on this site I believe, with a wheel that rotated 90deg at rest to get out of the way. Interesting solutions

 

[Northern Star]

It seems that there is no miraculous solution !
The wheel is nice looking and is very easy to set so the boat keeps its direction in moderate winds (using the brake). The pedestal gives support for the GPS (I have a Montana 600), the compass and a few cans...
On the other hand, it takes half the cockpit, which is boring, and not only at the anchor: When I sail alone, tacking is not easy due to the position of the wheel in respect to the genoa winches... Also the backstay is always a nuisance.
But it is true that removing the wheel and associated gear to install a tiller is far easier than the opposite, as Apex says !
Well, by -25 degrees C, I have a few months to think about it !!