Tiller vs wheel again! ...Or, 272LE?

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HakunaMatata

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May 4, 2010
23
Oday 26 Pensacola
Hello all who have posted responses on the legacy question that pops into my head ever so often. Should I put Edson wheel steering on my Oday 26? Every time I think wheel steering would be nice to have I read through the numerous responses suggesting otherwise when it comes to a 26 foot boat. Again, I thank all you and if anyone has changed their mind I would like to know? As a follow on idea.... I did purchase a Rudder Craft kick up rudder (1K) because of the times I almost got stuck on a sandbar with wave action and could feel the rudder wanting to pull the transom apart. Best investment in a rudder I ever made.....love it!

With the above in mind, I have been thinking of purchasing a 272 LE which does have wheel steering and an inboard. I am not so in love with an inboard engine (residual oil smell inside cabin) and if wheel steering is not so great for a boat this size then I'm wondering why I'm even am interested in a 272 LE? They look very nice, about 1 foot longer, and am certain they are a great boat....just can't convince myself the endeavor is worth it? I even have an extra trailer that could hold one. My wife does not want me to pursue it because she knows I'll start all over with improving that one.

Thanks, Hakuna Matata
 
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cbourne200

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Dec 27, 2011
279
Oday 272 Pensacola
There are 2 O'Day 272's at Pelican Perch (I own one). Both have tiller steering, mine has inboard Westerbeke 10-2. Other has outboard. I am assuming (since other one does not have inboard) that both are 272's, not 272 LE. Mine is '87 vintage. If you need/want to see my 272, let me know when would be a convenient time and I'll check my schedule. You probably aleady know how they're setup since you are considering them as a purchase. Is the one you're considering in Pensacola?

Charles
cbourne200@bellsouth.net
 
M

Mickstr

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Jun 1, 2007
272
O'Day 322 Mt.Sinai
I wanted to buy a 272, but when I had the funds, all I could find was an LE. I bought it, I love it! I have several friends with 272's (not LE) that love their tiller steering..

Not sure what to advise you! I love my LE, and love my wheel steering...my friends love their tillers... I guess I would advise you find a nice 272, and if the price is right, and the survey is sound, buy it, be it tiller or wheel...

BTW, I also love the inboard diesel. Absolutely no regrets there either.
 
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Pat

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Jun 7, 2004
1,250
Oday 272LE Ninnescah Yacht Club, Wichita, Ks.
I concur with Mickstr6 above. We bought our LE in a Kansas blizzard and have been loving it ever since. I would not trade the wheel or the diesel. Pat
 
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ChattOday

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Dec 7, 2012
51
Oday 22 Chattanooga
I have a 22, but I love the tiller. Compared to wheel steering, it is just so responsive.

I came to the sailboat world from powerboats and thought I wanted to do a steering wheel conversion when I was initially re-habing the exterior of the boat. When I finally put the boat in and actually got out on it, I quickly found out just how much more responsive the tiller is. In an emergency situation, you can turn the boat much faster and with more control with the tiller vs. a wheel.

Much easier, fyi, to hook up an auto tiller.
 
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Pat

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Jun 7, 2004
1,250
Oday 272LE Ninnescah Yacht Club, Wichita, Ks.
As a note to my other reply, the wheel system that Edson designed for the 272 was called a remove linear actuater system which is an extremely sensitive wheel system as it is a pull-pull design meaning it is 100 percent active in both directions. I can turn my wheel 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch in either direction, and the boat turns...not 1/4 over or 1/2 over....it is so sensitive it is remarkable....at least as sensitive as the tiller on our Catalina. Just a thought. There are not many pull-pull systems and this may be one of the first by Edson. Pat
 
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HakunaMatata

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May 4, 2010
23
Oday 26 Pensacola
Hi Charles.....no, neither one in PNS. Will have to go alll the way to Ohio and Maine....but wanted to take a nice vacation anyway. Yes. I would like to see your 272....was planning some work on my Oday 26 when I get some time.....working in Lafayette, LA right now.
 
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HakunaMatata

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May 4, 2010
23
Oday 26 Pensacola
Hello all, thanks for the replies. Yes, well this makes the decision even tougher. I know an inboard is great in heavy weather if one is offshore any distance at all. If you stay inland in the bays and sounds the outboards are fine. The 4 stroke outboards are great for reliability and ease of mantenance but it does become a problem in heavy seas when steerage way is all important. That is interesting about how sensitive the wheel sterring is.....would not have thought that to be the case.
Really appreciate the advice.....am going to pursue a 272 LE if I can get the wife to agree....LOL. Anyone who has been married any length of time knows "I don't care, you're going to do it anyway" really isn't the same as actual agreement!
 
M

Mickstr

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Jun 1, 2007
272
O'Day 322 Mt.Sinai
I know the drill

awholt said:
Hello all, thanks for the replies. Yes, well this makes the decision even tougher. I know an inboard is great in heavy weather if one is offshore any distance at all. If you stay inland in the bays and sounds the outboards are fine. The 4 stroke outboards are great for reliability and ease of mantenance but it does become a problem in heavy seas when steerage way is all important. That is interesting about how sensitive the wheel sterring is.....would not have thought that to be the case.
Really appreciate the advice.....am going to pursue a 272 LE if I can get the wife to agree....LOL. Anyone who has been married any length of time knows "I don't care, you're going to do it anyway" really isn't the same as actual agreement!
Click to expand
My wife agreed I could get the boat after we got a pool (inground), but before the kitchen. We're finally doing the kitchen now, and I got my LE!
 
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