Wheel steering for a Hunter 260

ddmcjr · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007

I have a 1996 Hunter 260 with tiller steering and have been inquiring about changing to wheel steering. I have not had much success in this endevor and thought I would add a post at the "seat of knowledge". Anyone know anything about this? So far my search has been....

astraeus · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007

I don't have much advice on actually performing this, but are you sure you want to add wheel steering on a 26? The wheel and pedestal take up a lot of room in the cockpit.

Just my .02 worth

Jason
S/V Astraeus

captlar · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007

Why would you want a wheel ? That's a sweet little boat with a tiller.
If you must, the cost will be high and the boat very hard to market. 26 is just too small. Even on my 31 it was not needed. With the 36, it's fine, but still not needed. Any special reason for the change ?

walterj7 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by captlar

Why would you want a wheel ? That's a sweet little boat with a tiller.
If you must, the cost will be high and the boat very hard to market. 26 is just too small. Even on my 31 it was not needed. With the 36, it's fine, but still not needed. Any special reason for the change ?

WHAT?? You telling us you think a 36' with tiller would be ok?

What are you the Arnold's brother or what? I think that's one the most irresponsible statement I've herd in quite a while. Like saying I think oars are just fine instead of auxiliary power!

Get real....

captlar · #5 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007

I assume that is sarcasm. If not, Jeff....help this poor soul.

captlar · #6 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007

Walter - just to get a jump on your education...
In the 1970's I was sailing an Ericson 35, Hinckley Pilot and Alden 41........tiller, tiller, tiller. The wheel came along later and more as a marketing tool than a needed upgrade. Jeff H's Farr is 38 feet....tiller !

Old farts would tell you if you can't sail tiller, you can't sail. In addition, if you can't make a mooring without an aux, you can't sail. I spent 2 seasons sailing on / off the mooring and docks because the old atomic had finally crapped out and the owner didn't have the $ or need to replace it.

I suggest you go easy on who you call irresponsible ! You have no idea who I am or how much sea time I have.

PBzeer · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007

The 260 had a wheel option, but to retro-fit one, you're looking at around 3-4 grand when all is said and done. Had a tiller on my H26 and it was a breeze to sail. Basically, I would call adding a wheel a rather expensive and unnecessary upgrade.

Currently at 25 46 43 N 80 11 08 W

walterj7 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007

Larry, Sorry that you think I was being sarcastic, but somehow I thought this was a Hunter Forum, or at least this section was designed to talk about Hunters.

And you really think you could sail a Hunter 33' with a tiller effectively, don't you? Well that's fine for you but when someone questions modifying their boat from tiller to wheel, maybe they think they either need it.

"I suggest you go easy on who you call irresponsible ! You have no idea who I am or how much sea time I have." This goes for you as well because I'm just a young fellow with a little over a 1/2 century of experience sailing the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic and even some Great lakes.

BTW/ I didn't call you irresponsible before, but maybe now I'm thinking of something closer to incredulous. Yeah that's it, your Refusing or reluctant to believe: disbelieving, questioning, skeptical, unbelieving, that someone could really want to do this kind of a modification, especially when this boat came (as an option) with it. Really you just want to rip out your wheel from your bristol and sail her with a tiller. Well go ahead and knock your self out..

BearThomas · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007

After all the discussion about to wheel or tiller, one fact remains. I have 1994 Hunter 260 and was looking for a wheel for it. Hunter and Edson both told me there was no retro fit kit available. Edson was a bit embarassed about it, since wheel systems and pedestals are their forte'.

If it's not available, the issue is no longer in question. The academic debate may remain, as will the the tiller on your Hunter.

Bear

sailortjk1 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007

Old thread but I will reply anyway.

I know of a 23.5 that is wheel steered.
A friend of mine modified his to a wheel, I have no idea how or why.
I just know that he did it,
I won't get into the debate.

Makuakane II
The second of her line, but the 5th vessel for Admiral Dennis. She's a 23.5 foot Hunter Sloop, with many modifications. Whether a day sail or a lake crossing, you can count on Makuakane to get you there.</B>