I've just ordered a new Hunter 260 with most of the available options. I will be day sailing on a lake with probably one or two overnights. I'll be pleasure sailing with a little racing thrown in. One thing I will be doing is sailing alone at times. I opted for the Tiller instead of the wheel because I thought it would be easier to move forward. Now after reading some articles I'm not sure. For sailing solo Tiller or Wheel and why? Thanks for any advice. Art
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Wheel, me thinks.
Unless you install an autopilot on the tiller, it is kinda hard to let go even long enough to raise the sails singlehanding. And you can forget it if the wind is really up. I enjoy singlehanding (on a lake) the most when the wind is blowing pretty hard. With the wheel you can install the brake (Edson 689ST-456, about a hundred and a half)to keep on course long enough to handle some lines or grab a drink, etc. Hunter told me that they had only made a few of the H260's with the tiller. BTW it costs much more in materials (plus the labor) to convert the tiller to a wheel later. You probably can still change your order if you wish. On the other hand, some people love the feel of the tiller. Just my opinions, Joe
Unless you install an autopilot on the tiller, it is kinda hard to let go even long enough to raise the sails singlehanding. And you can forget it if the wind is really up. I enjoy singlehanding (on a lake) the most when the wind is blowing pretty hard. With the wheel you can install the brake (Edson 689ST-456, about a hundred and a half)to keep on course long enough to handle some lines or grab a drink, etc. Hunter told me that they had only made a few of the H260's with the tiller. BTW it costs much more in materials (plus the labor) to convert the tiller to a wheel later. You probably can still change your order if you wish. On the other hand, some people love the feel of the tiller. Just my opinions, Joe
Wheel
Given the choice, I'd go for the wheel. I've got a 97 H26, so my only choice was tiller. The wheel really makes better use of cockpit space. As the other person mentioned, have the wheel brake installed to allow you to do other things when needed. Resale most likely be better with the wheel as well. Ron Mehringer Hydro Therapy
Given the choice, I'd go for the wheel. I've got a 97 H26, so my only choice was tiller. The wheel really makes better use of cockpit space. As the other person mentioned, have the wheel brake installed to allow you to do other things when needed. Resale most likely be better with the wheel as well. Ron Mehringer Hydro Therapy
Pro's & Con's
Art: Having had boats with both tiller and a wheel, I think that you should go with a wheel. From my stand point you get a much better feel of what the boat is doing with a tiller but that is about the only thing that a tiller has going for it. The wheel gives you the advantage of the wheel break, frees up the cockpit when you have guest aboard and you can move around the cockpit much easier without the stick in the way. If you decide on an autopilot you will need to pay more for a wheel pilot vs a tiller pilot but once again the tiller pilot makes sitting in the cockpit more difficult. The other thing is when you go to sell the boat you are going to move it quicker with a wheel.
Art: Having had boats with both tiller and a wheel, I think that you should go with a wheel. From my stand point you get a much better feel of what the boat is doing with a tiller but that is about the only thing that a tiller has going for it. The wheel gives you the advantage of the wheel break, frees up the cockpit when you have guest aboard and you can move around the cockpit much easier without the stick in the way. If you decide on an autopilot you will need to pay more for a wheel pilot vs a tiller pilot but once again the tiller pilot makes sitting in the cockpit more difficult. The other thing is when you go to sell the boat you are going to move it quicker with a wheel.
Coolness Factor
The tiller feels better and you are more at one with the boat. You look much more cool behind a wheel.
The tiller feels better and you are more at one with the boat. You look much more cool behind a wheel.
I have a tiller
I didnt have a choice (H240) but I do a lot of solo sailing and the tiller gives me a lot more room than a wheel with the darned pedistal in the way. I also use a Navico auto helm (the basic model)which makes solo sailing very enjoyable. (and easy) A tiller with the extension allows you to sit all the way forward and still have control of the boat. The wheel looks good but takes up too much space and you dont have to steer opposite (which becomes second nature very quickly.)
I didnt have a choice (H240) but I do a lot of solo sailing and the tiller gives me a lot more room than a wheel with the darned pedistal in the way. I also use a Navico auto helm (the basic model)which makes solo sailing very enjoyable. (and easy) A tiller with the extension allows you to sit all the way forward and still have control of the boat. The wheel looks good but takes up too much space and you dont have to steer opposite (which becomes second nature very quickly.)
but can you steer from the stern seats
I wonder can one still steer from the stern seat perch like you can with a tiller extension if you have a wheel?
I wonder can one still steer from the stern seat perch like you can with a tiller extension if you have a wheel?
Tiller For Me
Art, I have a 96 H26 with a tiller and love it. When at the dock or on the hook we tie it off to starboard and the whole cockpit is open to move about. Under sail I generally prefer to sit on the windward side of the boat for weight distribution. This is especially important with water ballasted boats which are more tender than lead keel boats. The tiller extension works well from most anywhere in the cockpit including the stern rail seats. You won't be able to do this with a wheel. When sailing single handed, I tie the tiller off amidship using a dock line when it's necessary to leave the helm. A tiller tamer will be installed this spring though. Either way the 26 and 260 are terrific boats. They can go places others can not. Good Luck! Jeff Morrison S/V "Festivity"
Art, I have a 96 H26 with a tiller and love it. When at the dock or on the hook we tie it off to starboard and the whole cockpit is open to move about. Under sail I generally prefer to sit on the windward side of the boat for weight distribution. This is especially important with water ballasted boats which are more tender than lead keel boats. The tiller extension works well from most anywhere in the cockpit including the stern rail seats. You won't be able to do this with a wheel. When sailing single handed, I tie the tiller off amidship using a dock line when it's necessary to leave the helm. A tiller tamer will be installed this spring though. Either way the 26 and 260 are terrific boats. They can go places others can not. Good Luck! Jeff Morrison S/V "Festivity"
wheel vs tiller
Most of the 260's leaving the factory are wheel. The major advantages for tiller is less cost and you can feel the wind affects on the boat milliseconds before the wheel if you are racing the boat. Most folks cruise. The advantages for the wheel does outweigh. First, there is alot more room in the cockpit and secondly, it gives you the big boat feel. As for resale down the road, it will sell faster than the tiller. That is why many of the 260's sporting the wheel leave the factory. I believe I am the expert on this one. I pioneered the way for wheel steering on the previous 26 successfully and can remember Edson taking apart my boat at the Annapolis Boat Show to see what I did. Crazy Dave Condon
Most of the 260's leaving the factory are wheel. The major advantages for tiller is less cost and you can feel the wind affects on the boat milliseconds before the wheel if you are racing the boat. Most folks cruise. The advantages for the wheel does outweigh. First, there is alot more room in the cockpit and secondly, it gives you the big boat feel. As for resale down the road, it will sell faster than the tiller. That is why many of the 260's sporting the wheel leave the factory. I believe I am the expert on this one. I pioneered the way for wheel steering on the previous 26 successfully and can remember Edson taking apart my boat at the Annapolis Boat Show to see what I did. Crazy Dave Condon
Tiller Vs Wheel
I've got an H26. I'm in a slip at a Marina that requires me to do some fancy mauvering to get her out. It would seem to me to be pretty awkward trying to turn a motor and use the wheel at the same time. It's challenging enough using the tiller. I guess a rudder/tiller connector would help solve the tiller problem. Would it work on wheel steering? Paul H H26 S/V Linda Belle P.S. Dave-Good to see you back!!!!!
I've got an H26. I'm in a slip at a Marina that requires me to do some fancy mauvering to get her out. It would seem to me to be pretty awkward trying to turn a motor and use the wheel at the same time. It's challenging enough using the tiller. I guess a rudder/tiller connector would help solve the tiller problem. Would it work on wheel steering? Paul H H26 S/V Linda Belle P.S. Dave-Good to see you back!!!!!
I like my tiller
I sail a '97 h26 and am very please with the performance of the tiller. It is quick and responsive. In close quarter docking, I can scull the boat or move the stern sideways with a hard pull on the tiller. With a tiller extension I can sit anywhere in the cockpit including huddled against the cabin bulkhead for shelter in bad weather. A light rope (costing maybe 25 cents) will hold the tiller in place allowing a singlehaded sailor to make quick trips into the cabin. Lashing the tiller to the stern rails while at anchor allows unencombered space for lounging, eating, and leaping off the stern to swim. The tiller may lack the "cool factor" but it is a mechanically simple, reliable, and versatile system.
I sail a '97 h26 and am very please with the performance of the tiller. It is quick and responsive. In close quarter docking, I can scull the boat or move the stern sideways with a hard pull on the tiller. With a tiller extension I can sit anywhere in the cockpit including huddled against the cabin bulkhead for shelter in bad weather. A light rope (costing maybe 25 cents) will hold the tiller in place allowing a singlehaded sailor to make quick trips into the cabin. Lashing the tiller to the stern rails while at anchor allows unencombered space for lounging, eating, and leaping off the stern to swim. The tiller may lack the "cool factor" but it is a mechanically simple, reliable, and versatile system.
Wheel, Definately
Art, Purchased a 2000, 260 last year. I quickly learned to adapt to the "obstruction of the wheel". It seems, in the beginning, to be a little in the way but you can quickly overcome this. I found myself actually standing in front of it. I also plan on running the jib sheets further back. Since this is my first boat…..I have had some challenges to overcome. I do, however, love sailing the boat...excluding some minor issues..
Good Luck
Art, Purchased a 2000, 260 last year. I quickly learned to adapt to the "obstruction of the wheel". It seems, in the beginning, to be a little in the way but you can quickly overcome this. I found myself actually standing in front of it. I also plan on running the jib sheets further back. Since this is my first boat…..I have had some challenges to overcome. I do, however, love sailing the boat...excluding some minor issues..
Good Luckanother plus for wheel
Another factor not mentioned -- With a wheel most anyone (non sailors) can enjoy steering the boat. With a tiller you need some experience.
Another factor not mentioned -- With a wheel most anyone (non sailors) can enjoy steering the boat. With a tiller you need some experience.
Debate can go on for ever!
Get a wheel, more room for guests and you both sailing and in dock. If you want to be one with the boat, marry it. I like to sail and enjoy myself and not worry about feeling the rudder. I may not be the true sailor, but life is to short to worry about little things. Most important to me is my wife can handle the wheel better than the tiller and we do, let me repeat, do enjoy our time on the boat. ps We did have a H240 with a tiller.
Get a wheel, more room for guests and you both sailing and in dock. If you want to be one with the boat, marry it. I like to sail and enjoy myself and not worry about feeling the rudder. I may not be the true sailor, but life is to short to worry about little things. Most important to me is my wife can handle the wheel better than the tiller and we do, let me repeat, do enjoy our time on the boat. ps We did have a H240 with a tiller.
Tiller Sailor
I have a 97 H26 with tiller. I work my behind 6 days a week thinking about how that tiller is going to feel on sunday with 4 footers and 10-15 knots of wind. I dont know if I'll get that feeling with a wheel.(never sailed one). My 2 cents. Carlitos
I have a 97 H26 with tiller. I work my behind 6 days a week thinking about how that tiller is going to feel on sunday with 4 footers and 10-15 knots of wind. I dont know if I'll get that feeling with a wheel.(never sailed one). My 2 cents. Carlitos
As a person seriously thinking about purchasing a 260 or 26 someday, this is a very important topic. What about space, does a tiller really "take up space?" In order to "see" what sailing a 26 or 260 would be like before purchasing, I bought some tapes called "Trailer Sailer" by Visual Thinking. They show a family having a great time on a 26 with a tiller, and they often talk about the huge cockpit and tons of space. The videos show them getting the most from a very simply equipped boat. I recommend these videos to anyone who wants to see what a tiller boat would look like. Also, when you use a wheel, aren't you exposed to the wind and spray a great deal more than with a tiller? What about weight distribution? This is a very important issue for a water ballast boat, and doesn't a tiller help you distribute you weight better? The wheel seems great when you are motoring and manuevering under power, but for the 260, maybe a tiller isn't a bad idea at all. I want to sail both, in heavy weather before I buy. Tim
Good comments
As I tell many folks, there is no perfect boat. Alot has been discussed and now the decision is yours. The biggest thing is the wheel takes less room and you do not have to get out of the way when the tiller goes to the other side. Crazy Dave Condon
As I tell many folks, there is no perfect boat. Alot has been discussed and now the decision is yours. The biggest thing is the wheel takes less room and you do not have to get out of the way when the tiller goes to the other side. Crazy Dave Condon
Thank You
I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my question. Obviously there are pros and cons to both sides. You all really did help me make up my mind. I decided to change the order to a wheel. I'm excited and can't wait to get the boat. I'll let you know how it works out. Art
I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my question. Obviously there are pros and cons to both sides. You all really did help me make up my mind. I decided to change the order to a wheel. I'm excited and can't wait to get the boat. I'll let you know how it works out. Art
Hard to control the main
My H26 has a large wheel. When single handed sailing it can be a little hard to release the main sheet from the cleat because it is on the floor in front of the binacle. Also to control the jib sheets you have to basically leave the helm, go forward and winch in the sheet. It was easier to single hand my Mac 26 with a tiller but now that I've gotten used to the wheel I like it.
My H26 has a large wheel. When single handed sailing it can be a little hard to release the main sheet from the cleat because it is on the floor in front of the binacle. Also to control the jib sheets you have to basically leave the helm, go forward and winch in the sheet. It was easier to single hand my Mac 26 with a tiller but now that I've gotten used to the wheel I like it.
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