On my 27' boat, I'd say the pros & cons are pretty much balanced and the difference between tiller & wheel wouldn't be a factor in a purchase decision. On a larger boat than mine, I'd favor wheel, definitely.
I have to agree with reference to backing in. It took some time to master backing in to my slip. (still is a bit of a pain)Owned both... Much prefer backing with a wheel that a tiller.....
Thanks Tom I have a lot to do on my boat this spring, and this video just lit the fire to motivate me.Here's a fantastic Youtube vid of a bright young couple's rebuild of a Vindo 32 (28') which starts with a conversion from wheel to tiller that makes sense.
@Ward H has a sort of tiller extension for his wheel that works pretty well. It attaches to the top of the wheel with a universal joint. The problem is that you have to practice some mind control. You hold it just like a tiller extension except that it actually works in reverse. When you sit on the windward side, you have to push it to steer downwind and pull it to steer upwind. It takes some getting used to because it is the opposite of a tiller. In fact it is really difficult to get used to if you have a lot of experience with a tiller.I cant see an easy alternative to the tiller extension.
Merry Christmas.
-Will (Dragonfly)
I had thought of that, but dismissed it as impractical. I'd love to see pictures of it.@Ward H has a sort of tiller extension for his wheel that works pretty well. It attaches to the top of the wheel with a universal joint.
Well, like I said, I played around with that idea when I was sailing @Ward H boat. It's easy to say it's a solution, but it just doesn't work. It's not practical. Think about when you would be using this "tiller stick" with the wheel. You won't be using it when you are sitting directly behind the wheel within reach of the wheel. We use that tiller stick when we are either sitting on the stern rail seat, or sitting on the windward rail in front of the wheel (in a position where you would normally be sitting with a tiller extension). In these positions, the wheel is basically out of reach so the tiller stick gives you the reach that you need. It is even telescoping!If you are a tiller skipper on a wheel, hold the wheel below the center of the hub and steer it like a tiller. With the tiller/wheel stick, if you mount it to the bottom, the extension will act just like a tiller boat.