Retrofitting Tiller to Wheel Steering

[mbetter]

Originally Posted by cookwithgas

A new quadrant runs from $500 to $900. This seems silly since the entire assembly was $100 including the wheel!

This seems like a very dangerous mindset.

[msmith10]

I think the project is fine as long as you retain the wheel and don't try modifying it into a quadrant. It will be difficult to get a fair lead into the wheel due to the angle of the rudder post.

[cookwithgas]

Progress on the pedestal for my tiller to wheel conversion. Notched out and filled pedestal base; sanded cleaned and taped to get ready for paint:

[deniseO30]

UM....you won't have room to stand behind the wheel? I painted mine a couple of years ago. it's all black with mildew again LOL

[cookwithgas]

Originally Posted by deniseO30

UM....you won't have room to stand behind the wheel? I painted mine a couple of years ago. it's all black with mildew again LOL

Denise you are right but I can build a really cool seat that sits up high and I can steer with my feet and be able to see the sails over the bimini - maybe. I'm still working on all that in my head. Also, I plan to paint it black to start with!

[Faster]

Will the wheel you've got clear the lazarette/seat? Or are you going to end up with a tiny wheel?

[cookwithgas]

The pedestal and wheel are mounted. I installed some new cable on the chain and now I'm ready to mount the idler pulleys to direct the cable onto the drive wheel.

At this point I am considering removing the lazarette/seat and extending the floor behind the wheel. There is very little storage there anyway because of the way the back of the boat sweeps up and there is good access to that area from the other two seats. A few pics attached of what I have so far...

[Faster]

Seems like your next step is to figure out where to put the throttle/shift levers.. they're not in reach from the wheel in any practical way esp for docking manoeuvers..

If you remove the seat section behind the wheel will you have a level platform to stand on? Standing any length of time at the angle of the counter would be tiresome, I'd think....

[cookwithgas]

Originally Posted by Faster

Seems like your next step is to figure out where to put the throttle/shift levers.. they're not in reach from the wheel in any practical way esp for docking manoeuvers..

If you remove the seat section behind the wheel will you have a level platform to stand on? Standing any length of time at the angle of the counter would be tiresome, I'd think....

Yes it will be completely flat all the way back. I plan to elevate it slightly from the existing floor so I don't have to mess with the Syn-Teak work I have already completed. I agree about the throttle and shift lever - one thing at a time. I am looking at ways to relocate the sheet traveler over the cabin top so I can sit on the poop deck. It's going to be a busy winter....

[Faster]

Originally Posted by cookwithgas

....I am looking at ways to relocate the sheet traveler over the cabin top so I can sit on the poop deck. It's going to be a busy winter....

With that narrow cockpit and the wheel where it is you're already stepping up onto the seat and around the wheel... so I'd put the traveller immediately in front of the pedestal, keeping it handy to the helm, build a bridging beam to install it on. You have no seat lockers in the way there and presumably have access for backing plates underneath in that location. Turn the traveller control lines aft so you can reach/adjust them too...