From tiller to wheel on a 25D

[Jim Westpfahl]

Call me foolish, but would it not be wise to consider modifying my 25D fow wheel steering. Anytime I sail with more than two or more in additional to the skipper, I need to execute frequent appologies during the cruise for the unexpected adjustment in tiller position. Some folks have much difficulty keeping their knees out of the way even when forwarned with a command of "prepare to come about."
So, is Edson the only show in town? Are they the best manufacturers of modification equipment? Is the process a nightmare on the 25D? (Seems to be enough room above transmission and stuffing box.) Anyone done the deed and have some advise?
Much appreciated.

Jim Westpfahl
Skipper & Gunnery Officer (offering old clam shells to power boats with unnecessary wakes) of Lively Lady '85 25D
Lindenhurst, Long Island, NY



JamesW7644@aol.com

[Richard Hill]

Call me foolish, but would it not be wise to consider modifying my 25D fow wheel steering. Anytime I sail with more than two or more in additional to the skipper, I need to execute frequent appologies during the cruise for the unexpected adjustment in tiller position. Some folks have much difficulty keeping their knees out of the way even when forwarned with a command of "prepare to come about."
So, is Edson the only show in town? Are they the best manufacturers of modification equipment? Is the process a nightmare on the 25D? (Seems to be enough room above transmission and stuffing box.) Anyone done the deed and have some advise?
Much appreciated.

Jim Westpfahl
Skipper & Gunnery Officer (offering old clam shells to power boats with unnecessary wakes) of Lively Lady '85 25D
Lindenhurst, Long Island, NY

I looked at putting a wheel in my Bristol 32 a couple of years ago. Edson and PYI seem to be the only suppliers around, but both make good products. Wait until one of the major boat shows to buy. Edson offers a small discount, and PYI was somewhat more generous. Either way, plan on spending $1,500 to $2,000.

I was going to go with the PYI (I think it's a Whitlock unit) since it operates with an arm attached to the rudder post (as opposed to the Edson cable steering unit). I figured the cable system is probably somewhat weaker and higher maintenance, since you have to keep the cables adjusted. In my case, it all just got too hard to do at the time - I would have had to drop the rudder to get the rudder shaft machined for a keyway, etc. I finally gave up and kept the tiller - which I hate for the same reasons you listed. Also, there's no really good place to mount a compass without cutting a hole somewhere. I know a lot of tiller die-hards won't agree - just my 2 cents worth.



captrahill@comcast.net

[Paul Grecay]

I almost converted my 28' to a wheel...and I am so glad I didn't. Yes, it gets in the way of inattentive passengers....on the other hand it is about as simple and safe as you can get. A big plus is that when achoring, it cocks up and out of the way giving those same passengers room to stretch out. With a tiller you can steer from anwhere in the cockpit. Also, I have been experimenting with sheet-to-tiller self steering...and the tiller is perfect for it. Boats had tillers long before they had wheels...besides, I have a wheel on my car. Keep the tiller.

Paul



pagrecay@aol.com

[PatO]

Just a question:
What apology for a jibe?
Seems to me the modification needs to be applied to the passengers rather than to the boat.

Pat



fornaft@NShotmail.com

[Bob B.]

Jim,
I was thinking of the same thing on my 25D. I looked at the pedestal steering units that Edson has and they looked good but I was considering a rack and pinion steering system. It is very simple and can be attached at the aft part of the cockpit. This should keep it out of the way with a small wheel but still give me a feel for the boat.

I was also wondering what anyone else thought or if they had done something similar.

Bob B.
CD 25D Tiva
Charleston, SC



BundyR@aol.com

[Bill]

Just a question:
What apology for a jibe?
Seems to me the modification needs to be applied to the passengers rather than to the boat.

Pat

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Ken Coit]

Jim,

Parfait has a wheel and we are quite delighted that it is now easily removed to provide space in the cockpit when not underway; it spends most of its life in the pilot berth. I don't think the PO thought this was important; the wheel was a bear to get off the first time.

Perhaps you need to invest in a divider for the cockpit that will give the inexperienced crew some idea of where they should sit to keep their knees from being banged. A strap around the cushions would give them a visual clue. We sailed a Catalina 22, both cruising and racing for a number of years and a full cockpit was often a problem, but we didn't have a wheel and pedestal in the way while at anchor or in the slip. The tiller was simply raised to the backstay to get it out out of the way.

Keep on sailing,

Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC

Call me foolish, but would it not be wise to consider modifying my 25D fow wheel steering. Anytime I sail with more than two or more in additional to the skipper, I need to execute frequent appologies during the cruise for the unexpected adjustment in tiller position. Some folks have much difficulty keeping their knees out of the way even when forwarned with a command of "prepare to come about."
So, is Edson the only show in town? Are they the best manufacturers of modification equipment? Is the process a nightmare on the 25D? (Seems to be enough room above transmission and stuffing box.) Anyone done the deed and have some advise?
Much appreciated.

Jim Westpfahl
Skipper & Gunnery Officer (offering old clam shells to power boats with unnecessary wakes) of Lively Lady '85 25D
Lindenhurst, Long Island, NY

parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com

[Garrard Young]

Be sure you spend some time behind the wheel on other boats before you think of modifying yours. The difference in responce (feel, feedback or whatever you want to call it) has to be felt. Then you have to decide on the cockpit convenience of your guests vs the sailing pleasure (and control) of the helmsman. I have a 25D; I've sailed other boats (including CDs) with wheel steering; the difference is much greater than might seem reasonable. Do you dance? A 25D will dance for you.... with wheel steering, I don't think she'll ever really dance again.



gysail@copper.net

[Ann and David Brownlee]

Call us foolish, but we've contemplated going *the other way* with our 31 and converting from wheel to tiller, for the reasons enumerated by the tiller-philes. Has anyone done that?

Ann and David Brownlee
CD 31 #1 "Windrush"
Havre de Grace, MD



dbrownle@sas.upenn.edu