Hi, I'm not a sailor as yet, but I'm trying. I've sailed the 260 and loved it. I'm now in search of a nearly new H26/260. My problem: The 260, I sailed had wheel steering, and I found that I really liked it. I want one... Now all of the Hunters I've found for sale are with a tiller. I was told I could change from tiller to wheel, so I've been searching the net looking for who, how, and how much... I've had no luck so far. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Frank (bfsears@chesapeake.net)
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Not worth it...
Frank, We sell Whitlock steering systems (until Jan. 1st) and I can tell you from experience that it isn't worth it. DON'T BUY A BOAT WITH A TILLER IF YOU WANT A WHEEL! A wheel conversion is going to cost over $2K. That is hard to justify on a boat the size your are thinking of. We have had upteen calls over the years of people thinking exactly the same thing and not ONE, not one has ever gone through with the purchase on a boat the size you are talking about. Keep searching until you find a boat with a wheel.
Frank, We sell Whitlock steering systems (until Jan. 1st) and I can tell you from experience that it isn't worth it. DON'T BUY A BOAT WITH A TILLER IF YOU WANT A WHEEL! A wheel conversion is going to cost over $2K. That is hard to justify on a boat the size your are thinking of. We have had upteen calls over the years of people thinking exactly the same thing and not ONE, not one has ever gone through with the purchase on a boat the size you are talking about. Keep searching until you find a boat with a wheel.
Also,
Frank, I have an H26 with a tiller. The only problem I've had is with 4 people in the cockpit invariably someone's in the way when you need to tack. I checked with Edson regarding a wheel package and found they no longer offer it for the H26. Due to the configuration of the cockpit the conversion was a "one off" for the H26 and wasn't profitable for them to make. Check the Boats for Sale on the home page here. I saw one listed for $22K with wheel steering in SC. That wouldn't be too far of a drive would it? Keep looking and you'll find what you want. If I had it to do over again I'd get one with a wheel. Good luck, Jim Covey s/v Wampeter
Frank, I have an H26 with a tiller. The only problem I've had is with 4 people in the cockpit invariably someone's in the way when you need to tack. I checked with Edson regarding a wheel package and found they no longer offer it for the H26. Due to the configuration of the cockpit the conversion was a "one off" for the H26 and wasn't profitable for them to make. Check the Boats for Sale on the home page here. I saw one listed for $22K with wheel steering in SC. That wouldn't be too far of a drive would it? Keep looking and you'll find what you want. If I had it to do over again I'd get one with a wheel. Good luck, Jim Covey s/v Wampeter
Try A Tiller
Frank, I prefer a tiller on this size boat for several reasons: You get a better feel for the boat with a tiller; The tiller can be swung out of the way, clearing the cockpit while at dockside or anchor. The wheel and pedestal are always there; Wheel and mechanism adds weight to the boat and takes up space; And, importantly, most of us do a lot of shorthanded/solo sailing and a tiller, especially with an extension, allows freedom of movement for adjusting lines and access to winches and sitting where you need to be for trimming sails and weight distribution. Try sailing with a tiller, you might like it!
Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Frank, I prefer a tiller on this size boat for several reasons: You get a better feel for the boat with a tiller; The tiller can be swung out of the way, clearing the cockpit while at dockside or anchor. The wheel and pedestal are always there; Wheel and mechanism adds weight to the boat and takes up space; And, importantly, most of us do a lot of shorthanded/solo sailing and a tiller, especially with an extension, allows freedom of movement for adjusting lines and access to winches and sitting where you need to be for trimming sails and weight distribution. Try sailing with a tiller, you might like it!
Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"- Status