We always found the tiller to be a nuisance if you have many people on board. Anyone sitting on the opposite side of it has to move when you tack and change sides to sit windward. With a wheel everyone can stay put.
I've never really understood this argument. Its a SAILBOAT. For efficient operation people are supposed to move. Don't want to 'inconvenience' people? Get a powerboat.We always found the tiller to be a nuisance if you have many people on board. Anyone sitting on the opposite side of it has to move when you tack and change sides to sit windward. With a wheel everyone can stay put.
I would agree that the mindset is different. Then there is the reason the guests joined you on the sailboat. Crew know you have to move when the helm is put to lee guest are surprised and perhaps thrilled to have the experience. It doesn't take too many times then they find a spot that suits them. Perhaps getting involved with the experience and taking a line, or seeking the cabin and their iPhone. Both are acceptable, but I would ask the line holder back for another sail.There's a different mindset with the crew. Crew vs guests.
Peace JD. I understand where you are coming from.I didn't say I was right, just that I didn't understand.... ;^)
But still. I drive boats with both searing systems all the time. On the tiller boats, 98% of the time the tiller end is between the cockpit seat walls and not in anyone's way. For the 2% of the time were I need to push or pull it hard, I simply stand up, put the tiller between my legs, and bend the tiller up and the stem. Now I can drive without inconveniencing anyone.
All good! No wrong answers to this one.Peace JD. I understand where you are coming from.
Im doing a LOT of reading and asking a ton of questions... I REALY like the idea of the helm steering vs the rudder... it seems like it makes the cockpit more "freindly." Am I wrong?
I think you might be confusing two issues.On the sail drive issue... I think some of the negative opinions about sail drives stems from the ease with which they can be damaged if you hit any flotsam or other debris in the water. That is probably not a big concern for a lake sailor. So maybe don't factor that in so much. I've always viewed the sail drive debate as being parallel to the spade rudder vs. keel hung rudder vs. skeg hung rudder debate.
More like I switched gears and failed to be clear.I think you might be confusing two issues.
OK cool gotcha. I've just never heard that argument against sail-drives, and would argue with anyone that said that, because they ARE less likely to be damaged, due to the reasons I stated.More like I switched gears and failed to be clear.
I get your point about cost to fix. I was pointing out the reasoning some have for distrusting sail drives. Im not one of those people.