Catalina 27: Tiller or wheel? Inboard or outboard?

[Hyperion]

Yes, but I've been shown the error of my ways.

[camaraderie]

Good...wouldn't want to lose our favorite Harpie around here! (G)

[christyleigh]

One thing I didn't see mentioned is that boats with Edson wheels have the option of buying a knurled locking nut for easy removal at the dock or anchor. My previous c320 had a large cockpit but also a very large wheel so I took it off and bungied it to the life lines because it Was in the way.

[7tiger7]

Hi Guys -
Well I bit the bullet and bought a 27' Catalina, with a Yanmar 16hp diesel inboard, and tiller. Now just need to launch her and get her back to Boston. If anyone is free this weekend (Saturday 14th) and wants to sail from Newburyport to Boston - let me know.

[sailingdog]

7tiger7-

Congratulations... you did get a survey and seatrial of the boat? Right??

[TAK]

I had an 85' Catalina 27, inboard diesel and wheel ..
liked the diesel for several reasons.. charging primarly - also if you plan on moving up to larger boat one day its a good size to start learning on maintaining, mechanics etc..

mixed on the wheel.. I missed the feel / response of the tiller, did not like the space it required in the cockpit and easier to back in with a tiller but enjoyed the simplicity of steering the wheel. Much easier to kick back a enjoy the sail.

All said tho I suspect the Wheel would be slightly more popular in a re-sale.

[max-on]

Congrats 7tiger7 on the purchase, I think you will be happy with the decision to go with the inboard and tiller.

[SimonV]

And dont forget tiller pilots are a lot cheeper than a wheel pilot.

[camaraderie]

Congrats! You will really enjoy her!!
Bring several extra fuel filters on your trip and make sure you know how to change 'em and bleed the engine before you go!! Countless first trips end up in a tow cause diesel sitting in tanks for a long time gets really gnarly with condensation and algae growth. Once the boat starts getting rocked around at sea...it end up as a fuel line clog.

[pigslo]

Pros for wheel...steers loke a car, most have twist locks, less swing space.
Cons against wheel.... more to break.
Pros for tiller.....better feel, easier to steer backing up (Point the tiller like an arrow).
Cons against tiller...steers opposite, swing space needed


Pros for inboard... battery charging system, out of the way.
Cons against inboard....3more holes in the boat, more complex, maintenance.
Pros for outboard... simple
Cons against outboard.... gasoline, inefective in poor conditions,poor battery chargers

pigslo