steering conversion

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Jul 3, 2004
7
- - Survivor
I am trying to find out how hard and expensive it is to convert from a tiller to wheel steering. I just bought a cat 27 with tiller steering and want to convert to wheel steer and post monted engine controls.
 

botez

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Feb 23, 2004
12
Catalina 27 babylon New York
conversion cost

Jim, I converted my '80 C-27 a few years ago. I did the entire conversion myself using all Edsen components. It's really not too dificult if you have mechanical ability. It is a bit tight working around the inboard engine though. Outboards might be different. I would estimate the cost to be around $2,000 for all the components including the edsen engine controls. This does not include any labor cost. I am very happy with the conversion and probably would never go back to a tiller. If you need any more info. let me know. Good Luck Frank Davanzo #4583 "Miss Virginia"
 
May 23, 2004
117
Catalina 30 Stockton, CA
Sail it for awhile

You should sail your boat for awhile. After you're used to your boat, you'll have a better idea of what to do. Going from tiller to wheel has some trade-offs. In terms of handling, the C-27 is more responsive with a tiller. Assuming that you have end-boom sheeting now, you'll have to convert to mid-boom sheeting with a track on your cabin top (which is also less responsive and harder to control from the helm). Otherwise you won't have the necessary headroom at the helm. The wheel makes things a bit more roomy in the cockpit under sail, but it takes up room at anchor or at the dock. Also, unless your cockpit is designed for a wheel, it's a bit tough to move by the wheel going fore or aft. A lot of folks will disagree with me, but I'd vote against it. Check out the archives for related postings.
 
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