Convert wheel to tiller steering ??

[tarik]

I have a Colvic Atlanta with wheelhouse steering. I also have an 'emergency' tiller accessed via the cockpit sole.( Which so far I have not used) I sail singlehanded and would like to convert to tiller steering.

Has anybody done this ? Any advice? Any negative points?

As ever thanks for all replies.


David

 

[BAtoo]

Not done this - or even know anyone who has - but FWIW you need to consider tiller length and range of movement - my emergency tillers on wheel steered boats have always been painfully inadequate - too little space to give the leverage & movement required. Also you would need to disconnect the wires etc from quadrant to wheel or at least get no tension on them. It may be possible to have some sort of clutch or pully system to temporarily pull them away from the quadrant so you can have the wheel on or off?

 

[1955patric]

I'm not familiar with the layout on the Covic Atalanta but I would imagine you will also need to extend the rudder stock to a suitable height. In view of the potential forces invoved this may require specialist welding with the rudder off the boat. You may also need to fit another bearing just under the tiller. so any extension to the rudder stock will have to be in perfect line with the existing stock

 

[dovekie]

We have done this, and been delighted with it. I don't know the Colvic Atlanta at all I'm afraid. Ours is and Ohlson 38, about 8.5 ton, 38 foot, 70's GRP sloop. We removed the wheel, it's pedestal, and various steering arms and quadrants under the cockpit floor, right back to the rudder stock. We sold all that, and with the money had a really chunky stainless fitting made to fit on the pre-existing square top of the rudder stock, with two arms pointing forward, between which the tiller is bolted. Lastly laminated up a tiller with a curve to bring it up to a comfortable height (other threads on this I think). Overall very pleased because a) happen to prefer a the feel of a tiller, b) we made a profit and c) I can sit under the sprayhood and still steer when it's raining. The key is probably getting a strong, tight fitting at the top of the rudder stock. We lowered the upper rudder stock bearing a few inches to give room for this fitting because it sweeps an arc of course.

 

[dovekie]

We have done this, an been delighted with it. I don't know the Colvic Atlanta at all I'm afraid. Ours is and Ohlson 38, about 8.5 ton, 38 foot, 70's GRP sloop. We removed the wheel, it's pedestal, and various steering arms and quadrants under the cockpit floor, right back to the rudder stock. We sold all that, and with the money had a really chunky stainless fitting made to fit on the pre-existing square top of the rudder stock, with two arms pointing forward, between which the tiller is bolted. Lastly laminated up a tiller with a curve to bring it up to a comfortable height (other threads on this I think). Overall very pleased because a) happen to prefer a the feel of a tiller, b) we made a profit and c) I can sit under the sprayhood and still steer when it's raining. The key is probably getting a strong, tight fitting at the top of the rudder stock. We lowered the upper rudder stock bearing a few inches to give room for this fitting because it sweeps an arc of course.

 

[tarik]

Thanks for that I'm going to give this some serious thought, it is very difficult to both steer and trim the sails - my arms aren't long enough !!

David

 

[DaveS]

This might seem a little over obvious, but have you thought of fitting an autopilot? I mostly single hand and very rarely hand steer, preferring to trim sails, look about and generally "supervise".