O'Day 272 converting from tiller to wheel

[PatSul22]

I just purchased an '87 272 and it has a tiller set up. Could someone please let me know where I could find a wheel steering system (preferibly a used one). Also if anyone knows how to instal it that would be great.

Thanks,

Pat
PatSul22@yahoo.com

 

[HukilauMike]

Here's a link to the Edson Marine website. They don't have a schematic on line for the 272, but they do have one for the Oday 27. I would contact them for more assistance on parts and directions. If you want to find used parts, its definitely a crap-shoot. Use google to find some marine consignment stores in your area, or check out Craig's List. I'd say that once you get a list of the necessary parts, if you are a good scrounge, you have a decent chance of finding at least one or two used somewhere. However, I would assume that you will probably have to spring for new parts for most of your needs. IMHO, I would definitely buy new cables, no matter what.

http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/wheel_conversion/index.php#O

You didn't ask for any opinions as to whether the tiller to wheel conversion is a good idea for your boat; you can find about a kajillion prior threads on this topic here and on other websites like Sailnet that outline all of the pros and cons. My unsolicited, potentially unwelcome two cents (adjusted for inflation): I like a tiller better on a boat that size.

 

[Sunbird22358]

EDSON developed the RLA (Remote Linear Actuator) Steering system specifically for the 272, however....they no longer list it in their catalog! They do have a newer system that will work, but finding a used system is hit or miss! If you could find someone parting out a totalled 272LE or a 272 with the wheel option, that would be easiest......the same system was used on the PEARSON 27 of the late 1980s as well. (I think this 27 was Pearson's attempt t ocopy the 272, had wing-keel, outboard rudder, diesel inboard, basically a Pearson "O'Day 272LE")
Adding a wheel to an outboard rudder boat is a project and it often means that you are making it tremendously harder to remove the rudder due to all the added linkages and such.
My $0.02 worth......stick with the tiller, not what you want to hear I know. Too late now, but it would have been easier to have bought a 272 that already had the wheel added....but as I say, too late now. Anything smaller than a 272 I'd definitely stick with the tiller.....but if you can find a wheel system (used) it should add value to the boat, maybe more than cost of conversion. If you end up having to buy new, the cost may not be repaid at resale time.