Soon to be sailor

[bossen,not bosun]

As a soon to be owner, when I make up my mind, of a 25',I have a questin concerning the choice of a tiller or wheel.Just doesn't seem to be much room in the cockpit having to manuever around that wheel. Opinions please.B.

 

[Don]

Wheel or Tiller?

I have a C25 with tiller steering and I would recommend it for several reasons. The first one being space. A tiller takes up very little room in the cockpit, especially when moored, compared to a wheel. In port, the tiller can be moved to one side to open up the whole cockpit. Secondly, a tiller gives the helmsman more feedback as to how the sails are balanced. Additionally, with the tiller there is not much that can malfunction because it is so simple as compared to the more complex wheel steering system. Also, autopilots for tiller steered boats are cheaper than for wheel steered boats. Click on the related link below to go to a topic that was posted at the forum at the C25/250 National Association website. If you have any questions concerning C25's, the place to pose them is at the forum of the C25/250 National Association website at http://www.catalina25-250.org/

 

[Bob Camarena]

Don is right

In case you need a second opinion, which you probably don't since you answered your own question, a wheel has no business on a boat the size of a C-25. In addition to the room, the boat will be much more responsive.

 

[Steve C]

Wheel or Tiller

There are two principles of law involved here that must be adhered to... Murphy's Law and K.I.S.S. There are many jokes about these laws, the jokes just don't apply to boating. Tiller steering is the only real way to go. A wheel steering system, although really cool looking, is quote me on this, expensive, must be routinely maintained, masks the feel of the boat, and autopilot... ouch, big bucks. If you break a tiller you can use a boathook for a tiller. I have always had tiller steering on my boats, autopilots for about $400, easily installed, less weight. Good luck! Welcome to the Fleet!