Tiller to Wheel Steering.

[sailnoproblem]

I have restored a 1970 34C Tartan, hull #68 which has a tiller, and have a quote from Edson for the Pedestal, Wheel, and gear mechanism. I find the Tiller uses too much space in the cockpit. Has anyone performed this swap? Any thoughts on this swap?
I could also use some suggestions on possible used parts. (I search EBay)

 

[CalebD]

If you think that the tiller takes up too much space in the cockpit just wait until you install a wheel & binnacle there. At least the tiller can be swiveled up & out of the way when not in use.
Tiller pilots are also fairly cheap compared to wheel pilots.

That said, I am sure there are other T34C's with wheel steering.

 

[Joe]

Would you mind revealing to us your quote from Edson? I'm just curious... since it's a 34ft boat, the cost of the conversion may be justified if it results in a higher resale value.

Caleb has a valid point about the tiller pilot cost vs. a wheel pilot.... there's a dramatic difference.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Sailon,

I started out on my first sailboat with a tiller. This is the best way to learn sailing.
I moved up to a C30 with an Edson wheel. First thing I noticed was losing tiller-type sensitivity. Tillers give immediate feel to the rudder & any weather helm. But, I got over it quickly.

I sail on my friend's tiller boat a lot, but now being spoiled by a wheel, would never buy a tiller again. I know I'm gonna take a lot of flack for saying this, but that's OK. All sailors have personal preferences & none fit all. Mixed fruits for mixed nuts.

One upside I find to having a wheel, is in weather conditions. Yea, there's this big pedestal, but the area in front is free. You won't miss having to ask your guests to "please move clear of the tiller, thank you". In more heeled conditions I find it easier to steady myself with a wheel. The extra handrail also helps to steady you. I also never liked sitting facing sideways to the bow for steering.

Another advantage is a cleaner installation for an autopilot. I was in a few bad storms back then. Once the tiller strap broke, another time the tiller itself snapped at the throat. It was this that cured me.

These are just some of my personal thoughts. A tiller will teach you sailing, a wheel will make it nice.

CR

 

[KingAirDriver]

We went from a Catalina 22 to a 27 with inboard diesel and wheel steering.

I love our wheel. I would never go back to a tiller again unless it was on a Hobie Cat or FJ type race boat.

It makes it feel like a real boat to me. There are some used systems out there, I have a buddy of mine with a pedestal, I'll see if he still has it and how much he wants for it.

 

[sailnoproblem]

Would you mind revealing to us your quote from Edson? I'm just curious... since it's a 34ft boat, the cost of the conversion may be justified if it results in a higher resale value.

Caleb has a valid point about the tiller pilot cost vs. a wheel pilot.... there's a dramatic difference.

Thanks Joe and Caleb for the advice and valid points. The cost from Edson is $2,679.48 @ 2012 prices.
I do enjoy the tiller, and the space when not in use. Underway though it takes up at least a third of my cockpit seating. (backing out of my slip, and through the channels)
However it is still just a thought and I do appreciate both of your inputs.
Best regards,

 

[sailnoproblem]

We went from a Catalina 22 to a 27 with inboard diesel and wheel steering.

I love our wheel. I would never go back to a tiller again unless it was on a Hobie Cat or FJ type race boat.

It makes it feel like a real boat to me. There are some used systems out there, I have a buddy of mine with a pedestal, I'll see if he still has it and how much he wants for it.

Yea that is my thought exactly. Thanks for your input and if you could please find out about the pedestal.
P.S. LOVE YOUR QUOTE.

 

[sailnoproblem]

Those are some good points, something to hang on to is a great one.I don't intend to sell anytime soon but I do think it would be a easier sell in the future.

 

[rufus1138]

if you do mod, make sure....super sure, to keep the ability to revert....im actually considering the idea of converting mine the other way lol, dont get me wrong wheels are nice and all but tiller is where the reality and etheral connection of sailing is.

 

[Roadking Larry]

My Macgregor 26S came with a wheel, Edson cable set up. I took it out and put a tiller back on it before I ever put it in the water. I expected to singlehand quite a bit (and I was right about that) and with the winches on the cabin top a wheel just wasn't going to work for me.
After a full season I'm convinced I made the right choice.
I sail with a friend on his boat with a wheel and it's nice but his wnches are accessable without running to the forward end of the cockpit then back to the wheel.

 

[Jackdaw]

The sailing Gods will reward you for restoring that S&S classic.

 

[bffatcat]

It depends

on the size of the boat and the personal preference of the owner My last boat was a pearson 10m wheel steering my current boat is a pearson 26w tiller steer Opinion both boats had the correct steering

 

[alexco38]

Have a look at Lewmar pedestal and folding wheel.

Lewmar use drag rod, i.e. no cables and pulleys to adjust or fall off. Much less free play thus good feeling. Also it uses a single lever engine control. Don't need two hands to fumble between gear and throttle while docking.

Folding wheel let you get around the pedestal without getting on the seat.

 

[rufus1138]

lol single lever is funny to me, all my sailing mates are jealous of my dual pedestal controls since its simpler and easier for me to diagnose shifting problems and correct them on the fly and also shut the motor off (fuel cutoff position at the back end of the trottle swing) both are nice i guess, i definitely hate it when boats have floor mounted throttle assy, i.e. island packets, get kicked toooooo often.