Many boats up to 25 feet or so have tillers. Many boats over that size have wheels. Yet it is not unusual for a smaller boat to have wheel or a larger one to have a tiller. Either type of steering seems to have its advantages and disadvantages. Boats with tillers may offer more precise steering and give you a better sense of what the boat is doing. On the downside, they don't have the mechanical advantage a wheel provides and may be harder to use when backing. But tillers are simpler to maintain than wheel steering with its gears, quadrants, and cables. What type of steering do you have on your boat? What do you think are its advantages and disadvantages? Share your steering preferences with us here and then take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Hello, I started with a 22ft O'Day with tiller and no auto pilot. With the tiller, I felt a closer relationship to the wind, waves and boat. Almost like you could feel the pulse of the boat. The downside was that I had to be at the tiller at all times. Sure you could lash the tiller but that seemed iffy at best. I moved up to a 302 O'Day with 36in wheel and auto pilot. Unless the weather is really nasty, I find myself setting a course and locking the auto pilot on. It frees me to move about the boat i.e. use the head, start a pot of coffee or just lay back in the cockpit - of course keeping an eye out for other boats. Really the only times I steer the boat is in tight quarters such as channels or boat traffic. Do I miss the tiller? No.
I love my tillerpilot. It makes a tiller boat
much easier to single hand. It's inportant to know which kind of wheel steering you're talking about. Wheel steering comes in two (probably more) types; Cable and Hydraulic. With hydraulic steering, the rudder really stays where you leave it, but there's even less "feel" when you're steering. Hydraulic steering also can use a different type of autopilot, one that has a small hydraulic pump in the steering lines. Multiple helm stations are much easier with hydraulic. I prefer the wheel on any sailboat over 26 feet, and on any powerboat. With the convenience of a tillerpilot, I wouldn't go to the time and expense to change a boat from tiller to wheel.
much easier to single hand. It's inportant to know which kind of wheel steering you're talking about. Wheel steering comes in two (probably more) types; Cable and Hydraulic. With hydraulic steering, the rudder really stays where you leave it, but there's even less "feel" when you're steering. Hydraulic steering also can use a different type of autopilot, one that has a small hydraulic pump in the steering lines. Multiple helm stations are much easier with hydraulic. I prefer the wheel on any sailboat over 26 feet, and on any powerboat. With the convenience of a tillerpilot, I wouldn't go to the time and expense to change a boat from tiller to wheel.
I have wheel steering. It is self made with an
Edson quadrant and a capstan drum on the wheel shaft pulling Stay-set line. I have 1 1/2 turns hardover to hardover. All of the system is accessable in the lazeratte and I can change the steering rope in five minutes. The boat came with a four foot long tiller that dominated the cockpit. I now have a six spoke bronze wheel that I can leave untended for several minutes at a time and still hold course. Some people that have taken the helm think that it has the feel of a worm steerer.
Edson quadrant and a capstan drum on the wheel shaft pulling Stay-set line. I have 1 1/2 turns hardover to hardover. All of the system is accessable in the lazeratte and I can change the steering rope in five minutes. The boat came with a four foot long tiller that dominated the cockpit. I now have a six spoke bronze wheel that I can leave untended for several minutes at a time and still hold course. Some people that have taken the helm think that it has the feel of a worm steerer.
Wheel
Hello, My first boat, a Catalina 22, had a tiller. I hated it. Friends without sailing experience had a difficult time steering (push left to go right?). Everytime we tacked I had to ask passengers to move their legs or the tiller would hit them, etc. My next boat had a wheel. I love it. I have plenty of feel for weather helm, anyone can steer, it's a piece of cake to install an autopilot, and no one has to be bothered if I turn. Yes the wheel is more complicated, but what on a bigger boat isn't? Maintain the steering system and you should not have any problems. Barry
Hello, My first boat, a Catalina 22, had a tiller. I hated it. Friends without sailing experience had a difficult time steering (push left to go right?). Everytime we tacked I had to ask passengers to move their legs or the tiller would hit them, etc. My next boat had a wheel. I love it. I have plenty of feel for weather helm, anyone can steer, it's a piece of cake to install an autopilot, and no one has to be bothered if I turn. Yes the wheel is more complicated, but what on a bigger boat isn't? Maintain the steering system and you should not have any problems. Barry
tiller is the way to go
for anything under 30 feet. You don't need the mechanical advantage of a wheel for the smaller sized boats. Some cool things about tillers: A tiller feels good, to most sailors. Autopilots for tillers are much, much cheaper than the cheapest (belt drive) wheel pilot. Never had a problem with my Autohelm (Raymarine) 1000. You can steer with your knees while standing up in the cockpit, leaving your hands free for other activities. The tiller conveniently lifts up to clear knees when tacking or it flips up completely out of the way when not needed, leaving cockpit clear. The helms person can sit forward under the dodger. The helmsperson can sit out on the rail for better visibility by using a TILLER EXTENSION...(that's why those higher end boats have such huge wheels or even two wheels on either side of the boat.) Skippers with wheels have a tendency to sit on the throne directly behind the wheel staring at the GPS not paying any attention to the waves and wind. Tillers put the skipper to the side, where he can see. When I sail with a wheel, I'm usually sitting on one side or the other with one hand on the wheel and the other on the traveller or mainsheet. Steering wheels are normal on a small power boat... but they look stupid on a small sailboat.
for anything under 30 feet. You don't need the mechanical advantage of a wheel for the smaller sized boats. Some cool things about tillers: A tiller feels good, to most sailors. Autopilots for tillers are much, much cheaper than the cheapest (belt drive) wheel pilot. Never had a problem with my Autohelm (Raymarine) 1000. You can steer with your knees while standing up in the cockpit, leaving your hands free for other activities. The tiller conveniently lifts up to clear knees when tacking or it flips up completely out of the way when not needed, leaving cockpit clear. The helms person can sit forward under the dodger. The helmsperson can sit out on the rail for better visibility by using a TILLER EXTENSION...(that's why those higher end boats have such huge wheels or even two wheels on either side of the boat.) Skippers with wheels have a tendency to sit on the throne directly behind the wheel staring at the GPS not paying any attention to the waves and wind. Tillers put the skipper to the side, where he can see. When I sail with a wheel, I'm usually sitting on one side or the other with one hand on the wheel and the other on the traveller or mainsheet. Steering wheels are normal on a small power boat... but they look stupid on a small sailboat.
I confess ...
I've never owned a boat with a wheel. Any boat up to about 15,000 pounds displacement should be easy to handle with a tiller. I also let auto drive 90% of the time, I'd rather trim.
The one clear advantage to having a wheel is a good place for the steering compass and instruments. Funny that this subject came up. The boats that are on my short list all are tiller steered.
I've never owned a boat with a wheel. Any boat up to about 15,000 pounds displacement should be easy to handle with a tiller. I also let auto drive 90% of the time, I'd rather trim.
The one clear advantage to having a wheel is a good place for the steering compass and instruments. Funny that this subject came up. The boats that are on my short list all are tiller steered. Tiller
My experience is pretty much the same as Joe's. I've steered with my knees, feet, tiller extension and by straddling the tiller, depending on what needed to be done. I also have a tillerpilot and at the end of the day the tiller swings up out of the way to clear the cockpit. There's also nothing that looks or feels like a well-varnished ash and mahogany tiller. However, I have to say that a wheel is nicer on cruising boats over 30 ft, but even with a wheel, I tend to sit on one side of the cockpit or the other so I can see what's going on. Peter H23 "Raven"
My experience is pretty much the same as Joe's. I've steered with my knees, feet, tiller extension and by straddling the tiller, depending on what needed to be done. I also have a tillerpilot and at the end of the day the tiller swings up out of the way to clear the cockpit. There's also nothing that looks or feels like a well-varnished ash and mahogany tiller. However, I have to say that a wheel is nicer on cruising boats over 30 ft, but even with a wheel, I tend to sit on one side of the cockpit or the other so I can see what's going on. Peter H23 "Raven"
Same Progression
After teaching myself to handle a tiller in the dinghy, I had a Catalina 22 w/ tiller. Now a C30 with a wheel. This boat is a classic example of a production boat that started off with a stick, was offered with a wheel as an option after a while, then had the tiller discontinued in favor of the wheel because of customer demand. So now my late-model C30 has a wheel because a bunch of first-time upper-middle class buyers fancied that they'd look more nautical behind a wheel. A purely market-driven phenomenon, not dictated by considerations of seamanship. Sure, the C30 has a big cockpit, so the wheel & pedestal barely fit, but it is awkward climbing around the wheel every time I need to get forward, even with the T-shaped cockpit (which was a design feature that came after the wheel became standard, I wonder why?). If I had a tiller to lash to the backstay after the hook was muddy, that cockpit would seem as big as a dancehall. I someimes miss tiller steering. It gave me a great feel for sail balance, and was especially useful to keep the boat stern-to to a following sea: I could throw 40° of rudder in to correct yaw in an eyeblink, as soon as the transom lifted and I felt it fall off. And there were lots of laughs teaching people how to steer "backwards." But there are some plusses. My guests can be taught to helm the boat in benign condition, which is more fun for them and frees me up to relax and enjoy the ride more. And yeah, it's nice to have the compass right here instead of imbedded in the cabin bulkhead. But overall, in a 30' boat of only 5 tons, I'd rather have the stick back. The wheel is large enough to allow me to sit on the coaming and steer, which I often do, but somehow it's not quite the same.
After teaching myself to handle a tiller in the dinghy, I had a Catalina 22 w/ tiller. Now a C30 with a wheel. This boat is a classic example of a production boat that started off with a stick, was offered with a wheel as an option after a while, then had the tiller discontinued in favor of the wheel because of customer demand. So now my late-model C30 has a wheel because a bunch of first-time upper-middle class buyers fancied that they'd look more nautical behind a wheel. A purely market-driven phenomenon, not dictated by considerations of seamanship. Sure, the C30 has a big cockpit, so the wheel & pedestal barely fit, but it is awkward climbing around the wheel every time I need to get forward, even with the T-shaped cockpit (which was a design feature that came after the wheel became standard, I wonder why?). If I had a tiller to lash to the backstay after the hook was muddy, that cockpit would seem as big as a dancehall. I someimes miss tiller steering. It gave me a great feel for sail balance, and was especially useful to keep the boat stern-to to a following sea: I could throw 40° of rudder in to correct yaw in an eyeblink, as soon as the transom lifted and I felt it fall off. And there were lots of laughs teaching people how to steer "backwards." But there are some plusses. My guests can be taught to helm the boat in benign condition, which is more fun for them and frees me up to relax and enjoy the ride more. And yeah, it's nice to have the compass right here instead of imbedded in the cabin bulkhead. But overall, in a 30' boat of only 5 tons, I'd rather have the stick back. The wheel is large enough to allow me to sit on the coaming and steer, which I often do, but somehow it's not quite the same.
A tiller will help you sail better
Many years ago, a yacht broker told me that many people like the status and feeling of command that standing behind a wheel gives them. If that is what you seek, them a powerboat should be your first consideration. Admittedly, I have never had the confusion that I have seen with inexperienced sailors as to the operation of a tiller (but fighting to windward on wheel steer boats I have had momentary lapses caused by the poor response). As a sailor and a waterman all my life, and one thing I have learned is that simpler things essentially work better. It has nine occasions to date that I have lost control of the rudder on wheel steer boats. The only thing similar that has happened with a tiller was when a competitor took the entire rudder away. Many owners do not know how to set and use the emergency tiller. If you own a steering wheel, please set and try to use the emergency tiller at least once every season because when you have to do one time you will not have time to look for the parts and figure out how it supposed to work. If your wheel attaches with a hand-tight nut, please rig it for a keeper. It can be very exciting when the wheel is loose in the helmsman’s hands and someone is searching the cockpit around his feet for the missing nut. (Also have a nut and key in your spares.) If your steering works fine and has never given you any trouble, inspect, a lubricate and adjust the tension at least once every season. If the cable or sheaves are showing any distress, fix it while you are alongside somewhere (so you can run for parts and hardware). Many times I have gone sailing with someone that was having difficulty with a boat only to discover that the steering mechanism was allowing the helmsman to ignore a significant weather helm. With a tiller, this is simply not possible. If you have a typical wire cable steering system, you have almost no chance to let the boat tell you what is right. “A tiller doesn’t give you a place in front of the helmsman for instruments or even a compass.” This is a completely correct statement. As there is no “in front of” all of tiller helmsman’s possible locations. But, the helmsman is either steering by the set of sails or a compass course, and he can pick where he wants to sit so he can see what he feels he needs to. A tiller and stick can allow the helmsman to sit where he can see the luff of the jib. Actually, he can sit almost anywhere. When you are sitting still, the tiller can be pushed up and that allows the entire cockpit to be clear for the social gathering. If you race, or even just occasionally sail to weather, then steering response time can be a very serious issue. A tiller wins here every time. The only thing close is a fully mechanical steering gear and those are extremely rare and still not as responsive. There is nothing in the modern sailboat technology that is easier to deal with than the new and very capable tiller based autopilots. When you hook it on, its operation is obvious. When you don’t want it, pull the plug and set it below and it is a complete non-issue. I wheel does have its place. When the maneuvering load on a tiller would be too great for a single man to handle, then steering tackle is essential, I personally believe this occurs somewhere above twenty five ton displacement, but I have sailed a thirty three ton tiller boat that was as pleasant as one could hope. Matt Colie Lifelong Waterman, Licnsed Mariner and Pathological Sailor
Many years ago, a yacht broker told me that many people like the status and feeling of command that standing behind a wheel gives them. If that is what you seek, them a powerboat should be your first consideration. Admittedly, I have never had the confusion that I have seen with inexperienced sailors as to the operation of a tiller (but fighting to windward on wheel steer boats I have had momentary lapses caused by the poor response). As a sailor and a waterman all my life, and one thing I have learned is that simpler things essentially work better. It has nine occasions to date that I have lost control of the rudder on wheel steer boats. The only thing similar that has happened with a tiller was when a competitor took the entire rudder away. Many owners do not know how to set and use the emergency tiller. If you own a steering wheel, please set and try to use the emergency tiller at least once every season because when you have to do one time you will not have time to look for the parts and figure out how it supposed to work. If your wheel attaches with a hand-tight nut, please rig it for a keeper. It can be very exciting when the wheel is loose in the helmsman’s hands and someone is searching the cockpit around his feet for the missing nut. (Also have a nut and key in your spares.) If your steering works fine and has never given you any trouble, inspect, a lubricate and adjust the tension at least once every season. If the cable or sheaves are showing any distress, fix it while you are alongside somewhere (so you can run for parts and hardware). Many times I have gone sailing with someone that was having difficulty with a boat only to discover that the steering mechanism was allowing the helmsman to ignore a significant weather helm. With a tiller, this is simply not possible. If you have a typical wire cable steering system, you have almost no chance to let the boat tell you what is right. “A tiller doesn’t give you a place in front of the helmsman for instruments or even a compass.” This is a completely correct statement. As there is no “in front of” all of tiller helmsman’s possible locations. But, the helmsman is either steering by the set of sails or a compass course, and he can pick where he wants to sit so he can see what he feels he needs to. A tiller and stick can allow the helmsman to sit where he can see the luff of the jib. Actually, he can sit almost anywhere. When you are sitting still, the tiller can be pushed up and that allows the entire cockpit to be clear for the social gathering. If you race, or even just occasionally sail to weather, then steering response time can be a very serious issue. A tiller wins here every time. The only thing close is a fully mechanical steering gear and those are extremely rare and still not as responsive. There is nothing in the modern sailboat technology that is easier to deal with than the new and very capable tiller based autopilots. When you hook it on, its operation is obvious. When you don’t want it, pull the plug and set it below and it is a complete non-issue. I wheel does have its place. When the maneuvering load on a tiller would be too great for a single man to handle, then steering tackle is essential, I personally believe this occurs somewhere above twenty five ton displacement, but I have sailed a thirty three ton tiller boat that was as pleasant as one could hope. Matt Colie Lifelong Waterman, Licnsed Mariner and Pathological Sailor
Only 1 Reason
There is only one reason that I will probably have a wheel on my next boat. The Admiral wants one. After almost 30 years, I know when and when not to argue. ;-)
There is only one reason that I will probably have a wheel on my next boat. The Admiral wants one. After almost 30 years, I know when and when not to argue. ;-)
I think a lot depends on boat design and equipment
While I agree with a lot of what people are saying about tillers, on my new Hunter 25, I can't imagine not having the wheel. There are a couple of things that make it work though. First, the wheel system is a whitlock cobra rack and pinion system that transmits the feel of the rudder. It is a very directly connected system. Second, since Hunter obviously spent a lot of time thinking about the design of the new 25, they did some things that make it really work with a wheel. They set the wheel as far to stern as possible, leaving lots of room in front for those non-sailor types to sit and stay out of the way. They also made it so that you can reach the wheel sitting behind it, standing up under the bimini behind it, sitting on either side in the cockpit, and even from the stern rail seat if you like. Since the boat is very well balanced, I can often set the sails, lock the wheel and just relax for long periods. Would I have wanted to learn to sail on a boat with a wheel, probably not. I think, as others do, that the tiller teaches an awful lot to new sailors. Do I regret getting the wheel option on this boat, no way!
While I agree with a lot of what people are saying about tillers, on my new Hunter 25, I can't imagine not having the wheel. There are a couple of things that make it work though. First, the wheel system is a whitlock cobra rack and pinion system that transmits the feel of the rudder. It is a very directly connected system. Second, since Hunter obviously spent a lot of time thinking about the design of the new 25, they did some things that make it really work with a wheel. They set the wheel as far to stern as possible, leaving lots of room in front for those non-sailor types to sit and stay out of the way. They also made it so that you can reach the wheel sitting behind it, standing up under the bimini behind it, sitting on either side in the cockpit, and even from the stern rail seat if you like. Since the boat is very well balanced, I can often set the sails, lock the wheel and just relax for long periods. Would I have wanted to learn to sail on a boat with a wheel, probably not. I think, as others do, that the tiller teaches an awful lot to new sailors. Do I regret getting the wheel option on this boat, no way!
Wheelies and tillies
I've had 3 fairly small boats that were tiller steered so tillers seem natural to me. My latest is a Hunter 27 with tiller. I have sailed several boats with wheels including a Hunter 27 and I beleive I like the tiller best because of the feedback. If I had a larger boat (over 30 feet) I would probably want a wheel. The only disadvantage is my lady friend gets confused sometimes when steering.
I've had 3 fairly small boats that were tiller steered so tillers seem natural to me. My latest is a Hunter 27 with tiller. I have sailed several boats with wheels including a Hunter 27 and I beleive I like the tiller best because of the feedback. If I had a larger boat (over 30 feet) I would probably want a wheel. The only disadvantage is my lady friend gets confused sometimes when steering.
Tiller/wheel
I have had both tiller and wheel, presently having wheel steering on my Beneteau 323. There are pros and cons of both and one can put together a logical argument for each. On balance, I lean towards the wheel for any boat larger than about 25 feet. It seems to me that the wheel goes pretty well at the size boat that has an inboard engine. I find that the wheel manages under sail very well, and frees up a lot of room in the cockpit that the sweep of the tiller used to occupy. It was convenient with a tiller to tie a line to the tiller to balance the operation, but the adjustable wheel brake is pretty convenient as well. If I had to hurry away form the wheel under tiller (never had a tiller autopilot), it was pretty difficult if i did not have a warning, as the boat could quickly swing to the side. A quick turn of the wheel brake and I can step away from the wheel without the rudder swinging wildly. When under power the wheel is much more convenient, and the binnacle and instruments are much better positioned. Especially with a larger cockpit, instruments on the bulkhead are too far from the helmsman. Like most good questions, there is no single answer.
I have had both tiller and wheel, presently having wheel steering on my Beneteau 323. There are pros and cons of both and one can put together a logical argument for each. On balance, I lean towards the wheel for any boat larger than about 25 feet. It seems to me that the wheel goes pretty well at the size boat that has an inboard engine. I find that the wheel manages under sail very well, and frees up a lot of room in the cockpit that the sweep of the tiller used to occupy. It was convenient with a tiller to tie a line to the tiller to balance the operation, but the adjustable wheel brake is pretty convenient as well. If I had to hurry away form the wheel under tiller (never had a tiller autopilot), it was pretty difficult if i did not have a warning, as the boat could quickly swing to the side. A quick turn of the wheel brake and I can step away from the wheel without the rudder swinging wildly. When under power the wheel is much more convenient, and the binnacle and instruments are much better positioned. Especially with a larger cockpit, instruments on the bulkhead are too far from the helmsman. Like most good questions, there is no single answer.
Wheel or tiller?
I went from a H25 to a H27, same year, 1976, and the 27 has an Edison wheel. I'm told this was done for marketing reasons, there is a plug where the bulkhead compass and motor controls would have been. The tiller & bracket are under a seat and never used, and the rudder shaft protrudes into the cockpit, ready for the tiller. I used the wheel last season for the first time and can't complain, other than you have to pay attention more than with a tiller. This could have to do with the size of the wheel, it seems pretty small. Having the compass right in front of you is a good feature, but the cockpit space is limited. I may switch back to a tiller, it was more fun, but hate to mess with something not broken.
I went from a H25 to a H27, same year, 1976, and the 27 has an Edison wheel. I'm told this was done for marketing reasons, there is a plug where the bulkhead compass and motor controls would have been. The tiller & bracket are under a seat and never used, and the rudder shaft protrudes into the cockpit, ready for the tiller. I used the wheel last season for the first time and can't complain, other than you have to pay attention more than with a tiller. This could have to do with the size of the wheel, it seems pretty small. Having the compass right in front of you is a good feature, but the cockpit space is limited. I may switch back to a tiller, it was more fun, but hate to mess with something not broken.
Never look back
My former boat came with a tiller, which I converted to wheel steering and never missed the tiller thereafter. All the issues about sensitivity and weather helm seem to have bypassed my boat. With a well balanced boat, weather helm is seldom an issue and if it manifests itself ahould be corrected. I sailed with the wheel untouched and unlocked for hours at a stretch without needing correction as long as the sails were properly balanced. Contrary to popular opinion, wheel steering does not lead one to daydreaming and watching the GPS. As for a wheel taking up cockpit room, I found that manuvering with a tiller takes up a lot of space that could be occupied by crew. The wheel was in place for better than 28 years without any problems or issues. Nothing required replacement and to the best of my recollection only had to be tightened once or twice. Proper lubrication was the extent of my yearly maintenance. As for sailing experience, I have been boating and sailing for 58 years, blue water, brown water and everything in between.
My former boat came with a tiller, which I converted to wheel steering and never missed the tiller thereafter. All the issues about sensitivity and weather helm seem to have bypassed my boat. With a well balanced boat, weather helm is seldom an issue and if it manifests itself ahould be corrected. I sailed with the wheel untouched and unlocked for hours at a stretch without needing correction as long as the sails were properly balanced. Contrary to popular opinion, wheel steering does not lead one to daydreaming and watching the GPS. As for a wheel taking up cockpit room, I found that manuvering with a tiller takes up a lot of space that could be occupied by crew. The wheel was in place for better than 28 years without any problems or issues. Nothing required replacement and to the best of my recollection only had to be tightened once or twice. Proper lubrication was the extent of my yearly maintenance. As for sailing experience, I have been boating and sailing for 58 years, blue water, brown water and everything in between.
Tiller choice
I have a tiller on my CS-27. I've steered with my hands, knees, feet, tiller extension and by straddling the tiller, depending on need. I also have a tillerpilot. When stationary, the tiller can be swung up out of the way to clear the cockpit. Finally, I enjoy the looks or feeling of a well-varnished tiller, and the feedback I get when sailing, compared to my experience with wheels.
I have a tiller on my CS-27. I've steered with my hands, knees, feet, tiller extension and by straddling the tiller, depending on need. I also have a tillerpilot. When stationary, the tiller can be swung up out of the way to clear the cockpit. Finally, I enjoy the looks or feeling of a well-varnished tiller, and the feedback I get when sailing, compared to my experience with wheels.
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