To wheel or not to wheel.

[1974 Venture 24]

Today I stopped into one of the few sailing stores here in cleveland ohio and began talking to "the guy" about the possibilities of adding a wheel for steering rather than the old tiller. He asked what kind of boat and I told hima a MacGregor 24. He acted as though I was the enemy after that. "I wouldn't!" He said sharply. "Those MacGregor's are weird to begin with. Why add more trouble?" well I quicly realized I was in thew wrong store and just left him and his attitude behind...So here I am asking you guys the same thing. I have the basic materials to add a small pedastal wheel to my 24. Are there any con's that you can think of? Also to take things a bit further. I've been giving a lot of thought to trying out a dual rudder system (like the mac 26) with the motor mounted between the rudders. The rudders will of course fold up together and the engine will raise and lower on its own and all will be connected to my wheel steering system.I'd really like to hear what you guys think on this one Please let me know.

 

[Jimmy]

love mine

I added a wheel to my Mac 25 about 5 years agonow my wife or my kids can sit next to me and dont have to move every time we tack, make sure and use a system big enough to handle the presure. I learned that lake presure on the rudder is nothing compared to the Sea. Had to up cables twice. like you my system was home made with a few parts from ebson.  ebson also make a ready system for our boats Any Qs--email--richcotr@bellsouth.net

 

[Dennis]

I did on my V222

All as I can say I wouldnt have anything else on my V222 except wheel steering! Now as to the double rudders, well i cant say about that, but experimenting is fun! I put a double cable system on the keel though. If one cable breaks, the other will still raise the keel! I also added 4 in.s of width to my single rudder, for added control! works great!

 

[1974 Venture 24]

A wheel it is.

Well i've decided to go ahead and use a wheel. as far as a backup keel cable That's another one i'm going to use! Thanks guys. By the way. I'm 3/4 done sanding the boat. I've got my west system epoxy's and soon it will be fairing time!!! I'm having problems locating my keel bolt. I am afraid it has been covered with epoxy. I'll take some pictures and see if you guys can tell.

 

[Dennis]

If it is covered

A good grinder or coarse sandpaper should take the covering off the bolt!

 

[MG]

Dennis

I would be interested in seeing how you did the wheel steering on your V222. Would it be possible for you to post a couple of pictures of the installation.Thanks MG

 

[Dennis]

Get some today

Ill take a few pics today!

 

[1974 Venture 24]

More on wheels

Did you make the pedistal or was it purchased? What is it made of? I really like the way it looks. Thanks for taking the time to have the photos taken.

 

[wieken]

Please tell me more!

Please tell me how you added the wheeled steering. I have a 25 and wanted to this for years. No one has ever responded to my request for information. Thank you.Tom Wiekenwieken@gmail.com

 

[wieken]

Can you give more details of the hook up.

This has been a dream of mine. How did you hook up to the rudder? Please show more pictures and how tell us how much the parts cost. Thank you for the information.Tom Wiekenwieken@gmail.com

 

[Dennis]

Ill get some more pics

Ill take some more pics of the set up, how it hooks to the rudder, how the wire is run on the inside, how it emerges from the transom to the rudder, etc. The main pedestal part is PVC pipe! The unit is bolted to the cockpit floor with an anchor ring! then the two bolted together! I have an access door in the front of the pedestal to get to the cables, if necessary. You can see that from the pic taken from the cabin hatchway! Ill try and get the pics posted a little later today! Actually the whole set up is very rugged, as I have fallen against it, used it to brace myself, etc. Its been in 3 yrs. now and I have been very happy with it! The wheel itself my wife got me for Xmas, the first year, out of California somewhere! It may not be as fancy as an Ebson, unit, but it sure works GREAT!

 

[Dennis]

If you would like

a larger pic of the blue print, just send your e mail address to my e mail address and I will send you a larger volume pic. My e mail is odiedb@aol.comPS total cost to me to install was under 100 dollars, probably more like 70! I don't exactly remember as it was 3 yrs ago!