CD 33 Wheel to/vs Tiller

[Paul D.]

Thanks Russell for your account of other boats H bars looking worse. Makes me feel good about Femme instead of worry, always a good thing.

Reading these last few posts reminds me that going from a wheel to a tiller or vice versa is a personal sailor's preference and there are a few factors I would seriously consider before undertaking a project such as this.

• -How I would plan to sail the boat i.e. day sail vs longer voyages or living aboard, long cruise
  -How long I plan to keep her
  -Cost
  -Time involved and who does the labour
  -Resale value, not an insignificant factor - here I would ask a few brokers their thoughts. All of these models came with a wheel so a tiller puts it out of the norm. A sophisticated buyer will tell if the job was done correctly or not, but the average guy may find it harder to purchase a boat so retrofitted. I would consider the very real possibility of selling long before you plan. It happens a great deal.

Good luck and let us know what you decide. I am always interested in other 33 owners experiences as I really, truly love this design. Full disclosure, I am rather biased.

[florimar]

To all who have so kindly replied, thank you. You reinforce my love of this site. The knowledge, experience, diversity of thought and so much more impresses me.
Tim: thanks for the first note being a positive one, ...the bargaining chip... now to put a price on it. That is in the works next week.
OJ:It may be the easy way out. Back at the boat today I saw more issues that, being a thousand miles away, as this owner is, it would be tough to justify moving AND fixing the boat. Am I a neglected boat softie, it kills me to think this boat has hung on its lines for nearly four years, and may sit longer. Sad. But reality. I do have a trusted, experienced boat worker coming to take a look. Checking my notes, the surveyor said a very rough guess to repair the steering issue was $5-7000.
Russell: At 6' 1'' myself, I appreciate the ability to bend, fold, and unfold in and out of the lockers. It was my first thought that the confined work space certainly figures in to the cost of the repair. The design looks simple yet robust. (sounds like a new coffee) The desire to do as much work as possible is attractive. I just need to get educated on what I can/should do and what to send out. Thanks.
Neil: 106 FEET! So, you're saying I might have to sign on a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader or two to help with the stop-to-stop swing? Hmmm...Steeler fans aren't gonna like that...but they won't be on the ship...? Thanks for the tip, interviews start next week. Beautiful photo, thanks.
Jim: Creepy? ...eh, maybe, but, man that's some fine work.
Maine B: I have one year of CD27 tiller experience and I love the tiller. Your comment on the soreness from sitting sideways all day is very applicable to me (neck fracture issue). I have considered the need of a tiller pilot or vane whether I continue much longer on the CD27 or do move up to the 33. Thanks.
Paul: Dang, you mean I can't just rip out the wheel, put in the emergency tiller and call it done? Resale value. You are so very right, resale is a reality and knowing all 33's came with a wheel seems pretty significant to me. Awesome photo. Your photo is what I was thinking it should look like. But, so many out of the way areas get neglected don't they? Thank you.
John Stone: I read it somewhere, "John Stone is the gold standard of refitting." Was it Larry Pardey? hee hee I have devoured every page of your site. Thank you for all you have given to such a novice as I am in this field. Sadly, I do not seem to have the genetic superiority that you possess. My ability to read, understand, and actually fix things is, oh, average at best. But, honestly, your site inspires. I just don't want it to be like those darn Home Depot ads that fool me into thinking I can really install a bathtub all by myself.

To all of you: I sincerely appreciate each comment. I just downloaded an application as it is only proper to join and support this wonderful site through membership. Back to the boat and phone calls...
Safe sailing,
Markus

[tjr818]

Maine B: I have one year of CD27 tiller experience and I love the tiller. Your comment on the soreness from sitting sideways all day is very applicable to me (neck fracture issue). I have considered the need of a tiller pilot or vane whether I continue much longer on the CD27 or do move up to the 33. Thanks.

Sitting sideways on Sláinte, our CD27, doesn't bother me; what does bother me is that the tiller takes up the entire cockpit. "Ready, About!" really means "Get your legs and feet out of the way". I would love to have a small wheel, mounted on the aft bulkhead of the cockpit, behind the rudder post, but I can't come up with the right design for one. A pedestal would take up too much room on a 27.

[Steve Laume]

The pedestal takes up too much room on the CD-30 as well but I like it.

The majority of the time I am sailing, it is the wind vane that is steering. When maneuvering the boat I like to be able to stand and hold on to the grab rail at the binnacle. I have also located my primary winches far enough aft that they can be operated from this position. The chart plotter and compass are right there as well. This makes it possible to hold on, navigate, tack and steer the boat while securely standing with great visibility.

In the rare cases where I do have a guest aboard, I have my little command center all to myself. They generally stay forward of the pedestal. So this makes it much easier to operate the boat and I don't have to ask them to move if I want to put the helm hard over.

One of the greatest advantages of wheel steering is not the wheel but the pedestal. It makes a great place to mount a cockpit table and I have also added drink and binocular holders. Having all of these things right in front of you when steering the boat is what I like the most. The tiller or wheel steering is secondary, Steve.

http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic ... 02#p159802

[Neil Gordon]

"Ready, About!" really means "Get your legs and feet out of the way".

It also means that skipper or crew will be releasing one Genoa sheet and trimming in the other, that the boom will be changing sides and that what's now a 15 degree tilt <--- this way will be changing to a 15 degree tilt that way --->. On my 28, the tiller is the least of it.