Installing wheel steering

[Paul N.]

I am considering replacing the tiller with wheel steering. Has anyone done this themself? Interested in hearing advice/experience on the pros and cons of having a wheel.

 

[Trevor]

Why?

Hi Paul -I'd be curious to know why you would want to replace your tiller steering with wheel. With a boat your size, a tiller allows better feel, faster turning, and more cockpit room. Wheels make sense on larger boats because the forces applied to larger rudders require more mechanical advantage. I know you could upgrade to a wheel, but it will be expensive and won't necessarily translate into much higher resale value. Just my thoughts...Best,Trevor

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

Wheel Steering

Paul,I've got a C-30 with wheel steering & I love it. You're going to get a lot of personal opinions on the pros/cons of wheel vs tiller, but you really have to go with what you prefer.As for the installation of wheel steering, you're definitely going to spend some hefty $$ for that kind of equipment. Check out the Edson marine catalog (link below) and price out a pedestal, wheel, cables, pulleys, compass, engine controls, grab rail and quadrant and you'll be surprised at how expensive it becomes.Plus, a new steering system is $$ you're probably never going to see again. It's not like upgrading from an A-4 to a new diesel where you're spending $$, but you're improving the value of your boat. If you REALLY want a boat with wheel steering you might find that you can trade in your boat for a C-30 with wheel steering (get a bigger boat) for what it would cost to just add the wheel to your existing C-27.Whatever your decision, Good luck!!Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull# 632

 

[Randy]

Wheel steering

I've got a C 27 with wheel steering. It was built that way from the factory. You may find that the conversion from tiller to wheel is quite expensive. It may actually be more cost effective to sell your tiller steered 27 and buy another 27 already equipped with a wheel. As far as which is better, that debate will rage on. I, personally, prefer the wheel for anything from 26-27 feet and up. Among other things, the wheel is far easier for guests to handle, since it's intuitive. Since we often take guests along, and offer them a chance to steer, this is important to us.Randy

 

[Paul N.]

Keeping the Tiller

Thanks for the feedback. I will be keeping the tiller. Besides being extremely expensive, it seems having a wheel would make the cockpit less roomy. Thanks again for your comments.