Wheel for 27 Catalina

[Jerry]

I would like to add a wheel to my 27 Catalina. Is it difficult? What would be the approximate cost? Thanks

 

[Don S.]

Been There, Done That

The approximate cost is 2k from Edson.The difficulty level is about a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10.The main problems involved are cutting the glass on the rudderpost and installing the fitting so it doesn't leak.The other issue is accessability. You'll find that most work must be done one handed and I highly recommend the help of a partner.I left the engine controls in their original position. If you intend on installing them on the pedestal, be very careful to follow Edson, Catalina and Universal instruction.Another thing to consider is loss of cockpit area. Ok under way, but restrictive @ the dock. You will also lose the feel of the tiller. Reaction time is greatly reduced

 

[tom]

why

Don ask yourself would I like a new spinaker or a color chart plotter? why replace a good old stick with stuff to service and maintain

 

[Peter]

Why #2

I've had my 27 for 11 years (it's a '74), and can't understand why you'd want a wheel. I'm looking at a C30 with a wheel that I'm considering the hassles of changing back down to a tiller. Tillers are:1. Cheaper-like $40-50 to replace compared to (as you said $2K) for a wheel. I keep a spare tiller aboard-try that with a wheel setup.2. Autopilots cheaper-$300-500 for a tiller pilot compared to $800-1,500+ for a wheel.3. Simpler- I've spent 8+ hours with my head in the 1/4 berth on a Cat30 w/wheel trying to keep the cables on the quadrant in a spinnaker run in 25 knots of breeze. Not fun! Tiller wouldn't have had the problem.4. Less leakage. No interior leaking with a tiller, problems in the engine room from leaks with the wheel. 5. Easier to move around the cockpit and get to the line controls if you're shorthanded with a tiller.6. If you need the mechanical advantage of a wheel on a C27, then you're not sailing a boat with a balanced sail plan! A C27, well balanced, can go upwind for 20-30 minutes in 15 knots of breeze WITHOUT TOUCHING THE TILLER! (I've been there, and done that, on San Francisco Bay!)Good luck!PeterEnigma II, 1974 C27 Std rig, OB(with tiller!)Stockton CA

 

[joe]

I agree with Peter....

... in every way regarding the tiller vs. wheel issue on a 27.