O'Day 27 conversion from tiller to wheel

[Dick McKelvie]

I am interested in the possibility of converting my tiller to a wheel system on my O'Day 27. Has anyone out there done anything similar, and what would be the pro's and con's. Thanks.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

wheel

Dick -Check out http://www.edsonmarine.com/marine/. They have a link to a form you can fill out to get information from them regarding the specifics of the conversion.Personally, I prefer a tiller. This is going to stir up a lot of flak around here as this is an on going debate, but its my opinion. I feel more in touch with what the boat is doing with the tiller, as well as being able to put the helm hard over faster. I also like the ability to remove the tiller from the stock when at anchor to free up room in the cockpit.Proponents of the wheel like the additional room when sailing because the swept area of the after cockpit is available, and some of them like the fact that you turn the wheel in the direction you want to go because its easier to train newcomers. Some comment that a wheel is easier to use because of greater mechanical advantage, but with a balanced rudder this doesn't really play. YMMV,Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[david lewis]

Small Sailboat Wheel Steering

I had a wheel system on my Catalina 25 and I hated it. It was a push - pull cable and the system had backlash and other bad features. One other bad feature was the cable connection at the rudder had a telescoping sleeve over the cable so as it corroded inside it was invisible, then one day in between the dumpling islands in Fishers Island sound it broke. Have you ever seen someone move really quickly to find an emergency tiller? Edson had bought the spare parts from the company that made this unit so I was able to get a replacement cable but I should have ripped the whole system out and thrown it away. The Edson system is vastly superior with a pull-pull cable system with sheaves and a nice pedastal for stern hung rudders. If you are going to do this use Edson!! As far as space in the cockpit under sail a tiller may need more room but considering most boats are at rest a lot more than sailing I found the pedastal and wheel always in the way in the cockpit, a tiller can be removed or tilted up and tied to the sheet or backstay to give more room.dave

 

[RichJ]

such a deal....a wheel

Dick,It's funny that you should be asking about wheels for a 27 O'Day.I have a 1979 27 O'Day and during the winter called Edson, they put together a package that came to $1416.00 +/- (since the quote was for 30 days) a shop nearby that handels a lot of Edson stuff, both new and used knocked $150.00off.Now for the reality check, the shop put it to me this way, we would love to sell you a wheel for a 27 but, 1)is the boat really worth (book value)the expence? 2)with a 27 you get more feel from a tiller. 3)resale 4)you have a limited cockpit area, the wheel takes up SPACE (now if your 27 is like mine, the pedestal is bolted to the deck just forward of your lazarett)cutting your cockpit by half. Oh did I mention that you can buy a lot of stuff for $1400.00.anyway, thats the skinney.If you want to contact them,The Edson Corp146 Duchaine Blvd.New Bedford, MA 02745508-995-9711 (www.edsonintl.com)hope this helpedRichJ

 

[don]

edson wheel

i installed an edson steering system on my catalina last year. it wasn't difficult- made sure i meassured everything 5 times before cutting any holes or other important fibergalss surgeries. The Edson customer service was excellent and the written instruction were adequate. some of the work was done cramped and curled up under the cockpit. my wife loves the wheel. the cost was manageable- we'll keep the boat for a while.