We are looking to buy a new used boat. Two we are considering have a tiller rather than the wheel we have used in our H27 the past 7 years. The idea of changing to tiller steering does not bother me. I am a believer in simplicity. My wife is a bit more hesitiant. She likes comfort and ease and does spend more time as helmsperson. than I. So, tiller versus wheel, would anyone like to share pros, cons, opinions, gripes, recipes? Thanks. Andy "Baroque"
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Tiller for you, wheel for her
Speaking as a sailor I would prefer a tiller. Speaking as a husband I Rx making sure your wife is comfortable, wheel or tiller. A wheel rarely feels like it could pull you out of the cockpit. A tiller can, or at least it takes more arm muscle to control.
Speaking as a sailor I would prefer a tiller. Speaking as a husband I Rx making sure your wife is comfortable, wheel or tiller. A wheel rarely feels like it could pull you out of the cockpit. A tiller can, or at least it takes more arm muscle to control.
Hey Andy, what. . . .
boats are you thinking about that have tiller steering and are bigger than your H27? I have two thoughts about tillers(having them on my C-22 and Highlander). For long distances it is a lot of work if the boat is not balanced, i.e. weather or lee helm. The other is when you decide on an autohelm it becomes either more expensive(something below decks on the rudder post) or you lack control(tiller steerer). My experience with tiller steerers is they do not have enough power or range to handle anything more than normal conditions. Two votes for Denise!
boats are you thinking about that have tiller steering and are bigger than your H27? I have two thoughts about tillers(having them on my C-22 and Highlander). For long distances it is a lot of work if the boat is not balanced, i.e. weather or lee helm. The other is when you decide on an autohelm it becomes either more expensive(something below decks on the rudder post) or you lack control(tiller steerer). My experience with tiller steerers is they do not have enough power or range to handle anything more than normal conditions. Two votes for Denise!
I think the key point here is expressed in the
sentence "She likes comfort and ease and does spend more time as helmsperson." Even if I didn't personally prefer the "ease & comfort" of a wheel, being married for more then 30 years seems like the smart choice would be keeping your chief helmsperson happy. We're men, we'll adapt to any steering system as long as it is attached to a boat. If Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy.
sentence "She likes comfort and ease and does spend more time as helmsperson." Even if I didn't personally prefer the "ease & comfort" of a wheel, being married for more then 30 years seems like the smart choice would be keeping your chief helmsperson happy. We're men, we'll adapt to any steering system as long as it is attached to a boat. If Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy.
Oh, no, not again!
One you sit down, the other you stand up, or at least have the opportunity. A forum archive search on your topic would give you weeks of reading.
One you sit down, the other you stand up, or at least have the opportunity. A forum archive search on your topic would give you weeks of reading.
Agree with Calif. Ted...
Keep her happy if you can live with either tiller or wheel. Personally, I like the wheel. Simply because anyone can steer, maybe not as well as others, but anyone can steer a wheel. Not everyone can steer with a tiller.
Keep her happy if you can live with either tiller or wheel. Personally, I like the wheel. Simply because anyone can steer, maybe not as well as others, but anyone can steer a wheel. Not everyone can steer with a tiller.
Tiller vs wheel
I learned to sail 35 years ago with a tiller and raced for four years. We got back into sailing 4 years ago. Bought a C30 with a wheel. It took me almost a year to relearn how to steer, every time I wanted to go to port, whether tacking or making a minor adjustment, I would turn the wheel to starboard. Every now an then I revert to the tiller motion. If you have been sailing with a wheel for 7 years, it may take some time to adjust. As others have said, mama has to be happy.
I learned to sail 35 years ago with a tiller and raced for four years. We got back into sailing 4 years ago. Bought a C30 with a wheel. It took me almost a year to relearn how to steer, every time I wanted to go to port, whether tacking or making a minor adjustment, I would turn the wheel to starboard. Every now an then I revert to the tiller motion. If you have been sailing with a wheel for 7 years, it may take some time to adjust. As others have said, mama has to be happy.
Nina
I've recently learned that the Nina (of Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria fame) had a tiller. I don't know what that means but, I thought I'd share. I like my tiller but, I also like my wife. If I could get her to sail more with me by replacing the tiller, it'd be gone in a heartbeat. I wonder if her distaste for the tiller is simply due to lack of experience with one. It really is a pretty simple device. It's just a stick, after all. Finally, if you're considering a Hunter with a tiller.... well, I just think a tiller made from extruded aluminium tubing is just wrong somehow.
I've recently learned that the Nina (of Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria fame) had a tiller. I don't know what that means but, I thought I'd share.
I like my tiller but, I also like my wife. If I could get her to sail more with me by replacing the tiller, it'd be gone in a heartbeat. I wonder if her distaste for the tiller is simply due to lack of experience with one. It really is a pretty simple device. It's just a stick, after all. Finally, if you're considering a Hunter with a tiller.... well, I just think a tiller made from extruded aluminium tubing is just wrong somehow.Tiller vs Wheel my 2c
Ive had both a wheel on my Pearson 10M and a tiller on my current Pearson 26w On the 33footer a wheel is definitely the choice but on a boat 27ft or less I would go with a tiller for both sensitivity and minimal maintenence All this talk about excessive weather helm is BS. If the rigging is tuned properly any boat of decent design should be well balanced. In breezy upwind conditions with a lot of heel, weather helm can be compensated for with sail adjstments
Ive had both a wheel on my Pearson 10M and a tiller on my current Pearson 26w On the 33footer a wheel is definitely the choice but on a boat 27ft or less I would go with a tiller for both sensitivity and minimal maintenence All this talk about excessive weather helm is BS. If the rigging is tuned properly any boat of decent design should be well balanced. In breezy upwind conditions with a lot of heel, weather helm can be compensated for with sail adjstments
I ordered our 2001 h260 with a tiller,
just because that’s what I was used to. She’s probably one of very few so equipped. Our 2001 AE28 also has a tiller, just because that’s the only way they’re offered. I really don’t mind the tiller. We’re day sailors and very seldom have guests. In my opinion, the tiller takes up more cockpit space and can be less than convenient during tacks or gybes with lots of bodies on board. The only other downside of a tiller for us is that my Wife seldom takes the helm. When she does, she inevitably steers off in the wrong direction. Finally, Sandusky John, I heartily agree with you and replaced the aluminum tube on our h260 with a beautiful laminated wood tiller after the first year!!! Paul
just because that’s what I was used to. She’s probably one of very few so equipped. Our 2001 AE28 also has a tiller, just because that’s the only way they’re offered. I really don’t mind the tiller. We’re day sailors and very seldom have guests. In my opinion, the tiller takes up more cockpit space and can be less than convenient during tacks or gybes with lots of bodies on board. The only other downside of a tiller for us is that my Wife seldom takes the helm. When she does, she inevitably steers off in the wrong direction. Finally, Sandusky John, I heartily agree with you and replaced the aluminum tube on our h260 with a beautiful laminated wood tiller after the first year!!! Paul
Tiller vs Wheel
This is the old Chev vs Ford argument. Advantages of Tiller: More common in smaller boats, some people prefer the tiller because it takes up less room in the cockpit when docked. Also, people feel it gives the helm a more sensitive feel. Autopilot is simpler and much less expensive to install in a tiller boat. Disadvantages of Tiller: Since there is no mechanical advantage, tiller requires more strength and is not practical in larger boats. In smaller boats the tiller takes up a lot of room in the cockpit and forces the helm-person and crew to shift from side to side during tacking. As boat size increases wheel becomes more desirable. I prefer the wheel because the helm-person and crew do not have to shift from side to side when tacking. In my 26ft boat people just stand behind the wheel, and because I have stern seats, I usually just set the brake and steer with my big toe from the high side seat. Also, inexperienced sailor are more comfortable with the the wheel because it steers more like a car. That said, I agree that whatever the Admiral want she gets......
This is the old Chev vs Ford argument. Advantages of Tiller: More common in smaller boats, some people prefer the tiller because it takes up less room in the cockpit when docked. Also, people feel it gives the helm a more sensitive feel. Autopilot is simpler and much less expensive to install in a tiller boat. Disadvantages of Tiller: Since there is no mechanical advantage, tiller requires more strength and is not practical in larger boats. In smaller boats the tiller takes up a lot of room in the cockpit and forces the helm-person and crew to shift from side to side during tacking. As boat size increases wheel becomes more desirable. I prefer the wheel because the helm-person and crew do not have to shift from side to side when tacking. In my 26ft boat people just stand behind the wheel, and because I have stern seats, I usually just set the brake and steer with my big toe from the high side seat. Also, inexperienced sailor are more comfortable with the the wheel because it steers more like a car. That said, I agree that whatever the Admiral want she gets......
Hey, the Admiral is always right!
and since she is the helm person most of the time she should get her pick. You have not mentioned what size of boat. Wheel steering obviously requires less physical effort and takes up less room in the cockpit (while underway).
and since she is the helm person most of the time she should get her pick. You have not mentioned what size of boat. Wheel steering obviously requires less physical effort and takes up less room in the cockpit (while underway).
Boats under 30...
use a tiller. 30' and over use a wheel. Exactally 30'... you will need a Twiller.
use a tiller. 30' and over use a wheel. Exactally 30'... you will need a Twiller.
Are you kidding?
We have a wheel on our Catalina 250. My wife is much more amenable to taking the helm now. Based on your description of the situation this is a total no-brainer. If you go with a tiller she should beat you on the head with it.
We have a wheel on our Catalina 250. My wife is much more amenable to taking the helm now. Based on your description of the situation this is a total no-brainer. If you go with a tiller she should beat you on the head with it.
Personal preference
My wife learned on a tiller(like myself, many years ago) and she would rather have a tiller than a wheel. I also prefer a tiller. We are both racers at heart and like the lower maintenance of the tiller. She tends to steer from the sitting up/standing position and has no trouble with turning the correct way. Funny though because she knows port from starboard but not left from right??? I steer from the side while hanging over the gunwhale and it took me a few months to stop turning the wrong way
My wife learned on a tiller(like myself, many years ago) and she would rather have a tiller than a wheel. I also prefer a tiller. We are both racers at heart and like the lower maintenance of the tiller. She tends to steer from the sitting up/standing position and has no trouble with turning the correct way. Funny though because she knows port from starboard but not left from right??? I steer from the side while hanging over the gunwhale and it took me a few months to stop turning the wrong way
All depends on the RUDDER !!!!!!!
A boat with a balanced rudder (where the rudder shaft is approx 30% back from the leading edge) is amenable for a tiller ... as the forces transmitted to the tiller will be 'light' A boat with a 'barn door' rudder (hinges on one edge) as found on full keels and boat rudders with 'skegs' are unbalanced and NEED the mechanical advantage of a wheel. I prefer a tiller for the 'feedback' you get and for the precision steering, plus it allows you sit on the HIGH SIDE of the boat .... so you can watch the important 'luff section' of the headsail. For beating all you need to do is add or ***PULL*** a weee bit of 'finger pressure' to keep the boat going 'straight'. With a wheel and sitting on the HIGH SIDE you have to PUSH the top of the wheel .... and thats very biometrically inefficient and TIRING. Of course while going upwind, if you sit behind a wheel like a bus driver, you wont ever be able to see the sail luffs; with a tiller you 'must' sit on the side ... .
A boat with a balanced rudder (where the rudder shaft is approx 30% back from the leading edge) is amenable for a tiller ... as the forces transmitted to the tiller will be 'light' A boat with a 'barn door' rudder (hinges on one edge) as found on full keels and boat rudders with 'skegs' are unbalanced and NEED the mechanical advantage of a wheel. I prefer a tiller for the 'feedback' you get and for the precision steering, plus it allows you sit on the HIGH SIDE of the boat .... so you can watch the important 'luff section' of the headsail. For beating all you need to do is add or ***PULL*** a weee bit of 'finger pressure' to keep the boat going 'straight'. With a wheel and sitting on the HIGH SIDE you have to PUSH the top of the wheel .... and thats very biometrically inefficient and TIRING. Of course while going upwind, if you sit behind a wheel like a bus driver, you wont ever be able to see the sail luffs; with a tiller you 'must' sit on the side ... .
Women like wheels.
I like the feel of a tiller because of its fedback. The same way I can feel the road better when snowy or ice with a stick shift better than automatic. The admiral hated the tiller but loves the wheel. If thats what it takes to get the admiral to steer for hours on end, then the wheel is definately better.
I like the feel of a tiller because of its fedback. The same way I can feel the road better when snowy or ice with a stick shift better than automatic. The admiral hated the tiller but loves the wheel. If thats what it takes to get the admiral to steer for hours on end, then the wheel is definately better.
Oh Joy came with a tiller as most old boats do.
While my wife likes a wheel better, both of our boats had tillers. The forces on this 39 footer aren't that bad, even with the barn door rudder behind the full keel. The only time muscle is needed is in a following sea at wind speeds of Force 9 and up. Otherwise, she's as light as a feather.
While my wife likes a wheel better, both of our boats had tillers. The forces on this 39 footer aren't that bad, even with the barn door rudder behind the full keel. The only time muscle is needed is in a following sea at wind speeds of Force 9 and up. Otherwise, she's as light as a feather.
Wheel
There is a reason most boats over 30 feet come with a wheel despite the fact it is more costly. I would think more people prefer the wheel once you are into that size range. Anyways, someday you will be selling your new boat and I think a wheel would make it easier. I have had both and I prefer the wheel. I think it is more comfortable underway and less intrusive for guests on a day sail.
There is a reason most boats over 30 feet come with a wheel despite the fact it is more costly. I would think more people prefer the wheel once you are into that size range. Anyways, someday you will be selling your new boat and I think a wheel would make it easier. I have had both and I prefer the wheel. I think it is more comfortable underway and less intrusive for guests on a day sail.
One more voice
I have used both and both are acceptable for Me.--- But without a doubt the tiller is superior for racing, because you can judge the sail trim and boat balance by just a quick look,even if someone else is on the helm. and you can play puffs and work to weather much better than with a wheel. You can feel and respond to the puffs without even looking and you can put the boat in the groove by the feel. You can use a hikeing stick and get up to weather where you can see the jib and and its teltales much better. Some boats today have two wheels so you can get further to weather or to leeward if you prefer, but they still don't respond like the tiller. That said; if racing is not your thing, and less than the most qualified helm person is going to be on the helm, get a wheel. Some years back, a sailboat under power was passing a ferry close aboard nearly head on with an unexperienced helms woman on a tiller, when out of the blue they made an unexpected 90 degree turn right into the path of the ferry and were run over killed. No one knew exactly why they made the sudden wrong way turn, but the speculation was that someone screamed at the woman to turn or go right ( or maybe it was left), and in her panic she put the tiller hard over that way, and of course turned the boat the wrong way. A grisly outcome. Hopefully that will never happen to any of us but I have personally seen experienced sailors, who were not experienced helmsmen, put the helm the wrong way. The latest time was less than a year ago and though no one got hurt, it did make the difference between first and second place in a race. The helmsman did know better but was a little rusty, and he just reacted (incorrectly). He couldn't stop apologizing to the skipper (which wasn't me).
I have used both and both are acceptable for Me.--- But without a doubt the tiller is superior for racing, because you can judge the sail trim and boat balance by just a quick look,even if someone else is on the helm. and you can play puffs and work to weather much better than with a wheel. You can feel and respond to the puffs without even looking and you can put the boat in the groove by the feel. You can use a hikeing stick and get up to weather where you can see the jib and and its teltales much better. Some boats today have two wheels so you can get further to weather or to leeward if you prefer, but they still don't respond like the tiller. That said; if racing is not your thing, and less than the most qualified helm person is going to be on the helm, get a wheel. Some years back, a sailboat under power was passing a ferry close aboard nearly head on with an unexperienced helms woman on a tiller, when out of the blue they made an unexpected 90 degree turn right into the path of the ferry and were run over killed. No one knew exactly why they made the sudden wrong way turn, but the speculation was that someone screamed at the woman to turn or go right ( or maybe it was left), and in her panic she put the tiller hard over that way, and of course turned the boat the wrong way. A grisly outcome. Hopefully that will never happen to any of us but I have personally seen experienced sailors, who were not experienced helmsmen, put the helm the wrong way. The latest time was less than a year ago and though no one got hurt, it did make the difference between first and second place in a race. The helmsman did know better but was a little rusty, and he just reacted (incorrectly). He couldn't stop apologizing to the skipper (which wasn't me).
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