converting tiller to wheel

[MARRSY]

Is it possible to convert a tiller steered boat to wheel steering. Say a Westsail 32 ... I understand the cockpit is limited in size but could it be done. Just curious

[Tartan34C]

Yes it can be done and Edson has drawings for most of the boats showing how to do it. Give them a call and ask about your particular boat.
Good luck and all the best,
Robert Gainer

[Bermuda30]

My Grampian 26 was converted by one of the previous owners using what I believe was a kit from Edson. The kit looks excellent (pedestal, routing pulleys, ect), but the PO just mounted it to a standard 2x4. A little rickety for me, so when I get back to the boat, one of my first projects is to re-do this slightly more bulky, and add an emergency tiller.

[JomsViking]

Jefa also makes excellent wheel steerings, check: http://www.jefa.com/steering/steering.htm

However I would not change a boat from tiller to wheel, even though I currently own a boat with wheel steering. It is actually the one thing that I'd like to change on that boat (it's a 33 footer).

[Tartan34C]

Originally Posted by JomsViking

Jefa also makes excellent wheel steerings, check: http://www.jefa.com/steering/steering.htm

The Westsail 32 has an outboard rudder. I think you need a rack and pinion gear for her. As far as I know Jefa doesn’t have anything suitable for this particular boat. More then that, I wouldn’t recommend the company and prefer to use Edson because of parts and service issues. Parts for Edson are easy to get and they look like they will be in the business for some time to come. Just my opinion and as they say, your mileage may vary.
All the best,
Robert Gainer

[sailingdog]

One thing if you do convert to wheel steering. Make sure your installation leaves enough room that when it breaks, you can mount an emergency tiller quickly. Also, try to leave the steering setup fairly accessible, since you will be repairing it.

[MARRSY]

Thanks for the answers - good to know. I'd like to find one already converted but haven't. So let me get your thoughts on the tiller vs wheel. I keep reading that people find it harder to dock a full keel - I've never tried so can't answer that - I'd rater the wheel steering as only a preference but would the tiller be easier to handle (not maintence wise) steering the westsail, would it hurt the value or constuction of the boat, is it a stupid expense to waste on the boat, and has anyone seen it done on the westsail
Thanks

[RAGTIMEDON]

Tiller is generally more responsive, wheel is only easier to operate if you are unfamiliar with small sailboats. The wheel turns the same way as a car, tillers turn opposite, but if you had never driven a car, it would make no difference. In time tiller steering becomes a natural movement. As to docking a full keel sailboat, I have one and the only real difference is that the boat needs more space to turn. My last boat (28 O'Day) had a fin and a tiller, and the boat would essentially pivot around the fin, whereas my Endeavour turns on a larger radius. Based on the KISS principle, the tiller is more reliable (Fewer moving parts) and easier to repair. Yes, given time you will repair either one, but wheel steering takes more time and money. When you get up to the 10 ton weight range and 35+ feet, a properly geared wheel will give you a mechanical advantage, making it easier for us 95 pound weaklings to turn it. Otherwise, I would still prefer a tiller for the responsiveness and the ability to fold or remove it, increasing cockpit space when we have the hook down for some serious partying!

[sailingdog]

A tiller takes up less space when at the dock or anchored out, since you can swing it up and out of the way. It is simpler to maintain and with some practice, just as easy to use. It gives you more feedback than a wheel generally will. On a properly designed boat, the tiller will work, even on a very large boat.

[Faster]

In terms of day to day usage, tiller vs wheel comes down mostly to preference, I think. We've had both, and I currently prefer a wheel for cruising mostly for the variety of comfortable steering positions a wheel can provide.

A tiller definitely ties up less cockpit space and can be put out of the way, as SD says.

Tiller/wheel will make no difference to how the boat behaves in reverse, just in the effort needed to resist the torque on the rudder if you actually get that boat moving quickly in reverse.

That said, I don't think I've ever seen a Westsail 32 with a wheel, and don't think it's an ideal candidate for that type of conversion.