so i recently bought a 1970 bristol 30 that currently has edson wheel steering the type running cables and chains from the wheel to a quadrent i think is the correct word on the rutter post that is still exposed in the cockpit for use with emergency tiller. Just thiking I have never owned a wheel steer boat and it sure seems like a lot of points of failor compared to a tiller. I have new teak decking to go down with if i remove it. I question auto pilots I know that they are cheaper for a tiller boat, but are they as accurate and effecent as awheel pilot??? and its a nice piece of hardware it will be tough to pull it out kind of like taking the A/C out of your car to save gas any thought on the matter would be nice
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dieseldrifter
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As someone wiser than I said some time back on this board, DON"T DO ANYTHING major other than necessary repairs to your boat until at least after the first full season. (No, td, I don't think it was you.....
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Something that seems like an issue now may, after a year's or so use be of lesser importance, or be overtaken by some issue more critical.
The wheel vs tiller debate is one of those unwinnable ones with valid pros & cons on both sides. In a perfect world you'll simply sail enough of both to be comfortable with either.
)Something that seems like an issue now may, after a year's or so use be of lesser importance, or be overtaken by some issue more critical.
The wheel vs tiller debate is one of those unwinnable ones with valid pros & cons on both sides. In a perfect world you'll simply sail enough of both to be comfortable with either.
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For racing I'm happy with either.. as long as the helm forces are manageable with a tiller.
When cruising, however, I find that a tiller takes up cockpit space that often is in conflict with guests/passengers during tacks and maneouvers. I also feel a wheel gives the helmsperson more viable options in the way of seating positions and sight lines during a longish passage (you can try to avoid the tiller-induced 'crick in the neck' during a long single tack fetch)
On a mooring it's nice to be able to flip up a tiller and have an entirely open cockpit. Today's folding wheels help here, as does simply removing the wheel during happy hour - though of course the binnacle (and nowadays the bulky nav pod/plotter housing etc) will still be there.
The "Ego wheels" big enough to require a deck trough are 'cool' as mentioned above, but they do have a practical purpose - they get the helmsman well outboard for good sightlines and visibility around dodgers etc. Today's twin wheels do the same thing at the cost of complexity.
Seeing a pedestal with a 16 or 20" wheel that can't be reached when sitting on a coaming is just silly.... (as always, JMO...)
When cruising, however, I find that a tiller takes up cockpit space that often is in conflict with guests/passengers during tacks and maneouvers. I also feel a wheel gives the helmsperson more viable options in the way of seating positions and sight lines during a longish passage (you can try to avoid the tiller-induced 'crick in the neck' during a long single tack fetch)
On a mooring it's nice to be able to flip up a tiller and have an entirely open cockpit. Today's folding wheels help here, as does simply removing the wheel during happy hour - though of course the binnacle (and nowadays the bulky nav pod/plotter housing etc) will still be there.
The "Ego wheels" big enough to require a deck trough are 'cool' as mentioned above, but they do have a practical purpose - they get the helmsman well outboard for good sightlines and visibility around dodgers etc. Today's twin wheels do the same thing at the cost of complexity.
Seeing a pedestal with a 16 or 20" wheel that can't be reached when sitting on a coaming is just silly.... (as always, JMO...)
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Edson provides a knurled 'knob' style of nut for the wheel - it's a simple twist and unthread to pull the wheel - no tools necessary. Just be careful not to lose the keypiece when you do. If you're using a wheelpilot the drive ring and motor will come with it - you'll just need to unplug the drive.
We see plenty of boats at anchor with the wheel tied off on the rail outside the cockpit.
We see plenty of boats at anchor with the wheel tied off on the rail outside the cockpit.
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Heres a good shot of one with a wheel: Check out the photos in the listing.
1985 Islander 28 sailboat for sale in Oregon
1985 Islander 28 sailboat for sale in Oregon
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