Refiting a Wheel Steering System from a Tiller

[Eric Hartsough]

I would like to refit my 1994 Hunter 26 Tiller Style with a Wheel Steering system. Checking to see if this can be done

 

[Clayton]

Check with Edson

Eric,I had good luck by calling Edson. I just told them what boat I had and they faxed me out a detailed quote which included a parts list and instructions. I don't have their number handy, but I found it on the internet. The one question I have is where can one find good used parts to do a conversion... We don't really have any boat surplus stores here on the coast of Colorado. The edson quote I got for my 26.5 was about $1500 for all new parts. Good Luck,Clayton

 

[Frank Ladd]

Why?

Why is it that some folks prefer the wheel. I can understand a wheel on a boat that is very big or hard to keep balanced. But for easy to balance boats like ours why get the wheel. Wouldn't it be better to spend the money to improve your sail handling and reefing systems?Wheels cost more. are more complicated, break more, need more maintenance, respond slower, don't provide steering feedback as well, etc.Why are wheels better?

 

[Tom Wootton]

Not only that...

The pedestal obstructs the cockpit more, and adding an autopilot is more expensive with a wheel. Plus I don't think you can steer with a wheel from the sternrail seats, but you can with a tiller extension.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

out of luck

You can buy a system for this; however, there were parts that Edson made for the 26 (not 26.5 as that is a different style boat) along with the #365 wheel steering system. They no longer make the parts and unless you know how to or were near me, then basically, you are at a stand still.The orginal called for the push pull cable but due to various failures as a result of installation by many, that went down the tubes. I installed appx. 12 but that was not easy as everyone thinks. First, you have to strengthen the cockpit floor, make several parts and then install the wheel steering. It was not easy. Finally, the cable versions came out which was a little easier but aganin certain parts are no longer available by Edson.Crazy Dave Condon