Alberg 30 steering options

[dvuyxx]

I know that the tiller-vs-wheel discussion is a touchy topic, but has anyone ever heard of an Alberg 30 with wheel steering (I'm assuming converted)? - David

[Jeff_H]

I have sailed on an Alberg with wheel steering. Even the owner thought that it really messed up the boat. There are some boats that are acceptable with wheel steering the Alberg wasn't one of them. The problem was setting up a big enough wheel that allowed you to sit outboard and see past or over the cabin, and then having the wheel at a height that cleared the seats with enough room that you did not have to climb on the seats to get around it, and which did not leave you feeling like you were hung from the wheel too high over your shoulders.

In addition to that the wheel did not work well with the sailing characteristics of the boat, but less so than some conversions.

I believe that he eventually took the wheel off the boat and converted her back.

[dvuyxx]

Thanks Jeff ... that's good information. I really like the Alberg but I'm discouraged that it can't take an Edson-type steering conversion without issue. I don't mind the mechanics of a tiller, but I find that I have trouble staying low and do much better physically standing or leaning high. I saw an A-35 with a wheel, but it has a draft greater than I want for the Chesapeake.

[aferlazzo]

Originally Posted by dvuyxx

Thanks Jeff ... that's good information. I really like the Alberg but I'm discouraged that it can't take an Edson-type steering conversion without issue. I don't mind the mechanics of a tiller, but I find that I have trouble staying low and do much better physically standing or leaning high. I saw an A-35 with a wheel, but it has a draft greater than I want for the Chesapeake.

Never sailed an Alberg, but my understanding is that Alberg's boats don't need much steering once the boat is set up on course and the sails are correctly set. So I'd hate to see you pass on a nice boat because it won't take a wheel well. Have you tried using a tiller extension? You can really easily control the tiller from almost anywhere in or near the cockpit with a long enough extension and an upward shaped tiller.

(Full disclosure: I hate wheels on boats under 35 feet.)