My wife and I are about to purchase our first sailboat. I love the looks and roominess of a Beneteau First 30-1983. However, it utilizes a tiller. I would prefer wheel steering, but I am very impressed with this vessel. If I move forward with this Beneteau, will I regret having a tiller? Looking forward to hearing from some of you.
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How long is a piece of string?
Joseph, We currently have a Bene 33.7 with wheel steer and love it. But all our prior boats have been with tiller and we didn't love them any less because of that. Both steering versions have pros/cons and ultimately your purchase decision should come down to what you want in a boat "overall". If the First 30 is your "ideal" boat then don't disregard it just because of the tiller ..... you'll soon become accustomed and wonder what all the fuss was about.
Joseph, We currently have a Bene 33.7 with wheel steer and love it. But all our prior boats have been with tiller and we didn't love them any less because of that. Both steering versions have pros/cons and ultimately your purchase decision should come down to what you want in a boat "overall". If the First 30 is your "ideal" boat then don't disregard it just because of the tiller ..... you'll soon become accustomed and wonder what all the fuss was about.
What I was hoping to hear
Blue Heeler, thanks for the advice. That's really what I was hoping to hear. I appreciate you responding. I hope I hear from others as well.
Blue Heeler, thanks for the advice. That's really what I was hoping to hear. I appreciate you responding. I hope I hear from others as well.
If you want a good cross-section of responses ....
...... I'd suggest posting the same question on the "Ask all boat owners" forum which is also featured on this site. I've found you get a much better response there .... seems to be a lot more people using that forum. Cheers
...... I'd suggest posting the same question on the "Ask all boat owners" forum which is also featured on this site. I've found you get a much better response there .... seems to be a lot more people using that forum. Cheers
Tillers V. Wheels
Have had boats with tillers. Last couple have had wheels. Liked the ability to feel/finetune the boat heading with the tiller. However, do not miss the bruised shins. My vote for the wheel and Autohelm ST4000+ now.
Have had boats with tillers. Last couple have had wheels. Liked the ability to feel/finetune the boat heading with the tiller. However, do not miss the bruised shins. My vote for the wheel and Autohelm ST4000+ now.
tiller v. wheel
For boats less than 35 ft I think a tiller is the way to go. They allow finer control, but many people don't like the "backward" movement they require - Wheels and the binnacles take up a lot of room in a cockpit, whereas a tiller can be raised up and lashed to the backstay. The autopilots for tillers are less expensive, too.
For boats less than 35 ft I think a tiller is the way to go. They allow finer control, but many people don't like the "backward" movement they require - Wheels and the binnacles take up a lot of room in a cockpit, whereas a tiller can be raised up and lashed to the backstay. The autopilots for tillers are less expensive, too.
Blue Heeler is gives good advice
After two+ years with a 27footer with wheel steering i bought a first 30e with tiller. Wasn't sure i would be as pleased but otherwise really liked the boat. Have not regreted one second. Tiller is more sensitive to the touch, can be locked well enough with tiller tamer and can be lifted out of the way when you need the space clear. After thinking i had to have a wheel to concern if i would be happy with tiller i now think this may be the last thing to consider when buying a mid-size sailboat. 30e is a fun sailing boat.
After two+ years with a 27footer with wheel steering i bought a first 30e with tiller. Wasn't sure i would be as pleased but otherwise really liked the boat. Have not regreted one second. Tiller is more sensitive to the touch, can be locked well enough with tiller tamer and can be lifted out of the way when you need the space clear. After thinking i had to have a wheel to concern if i would be happy with tiller i now think this may be the last thing to consider when buying a mid-size sailboat. 30e is a fun sailing boat.
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