Thinking of converting from tiller to wheel steering

[DuneCraig]

Hi,

I have been thinking of changing the steering in a 30 foot Jeanneau from tiller to wheel. There is unused space behind the engine which should provide suitable room for the mechanical components.

However I was wondering if anybody has any experience with doing this and what are the likely costs and issues.

Finally could someone point me in the direction of a few suppliers of this equipment.

Any other thoughts as well.


Thanks,

DuneCraig

 

[bobfrost]

My only thought is if it isn't broke don't fix it.

Apart from taking up space in cockpit, I experienced a broken tiller last year. Replacing it with the emergency tiller was comparatively easy.

I suspect anything to do with wheel steering would not be.

 

[pvb]

Big job...

It's possible, but it's quite a big job. Check out the Edson website for starters. Download a copy of their sailboat catalogue, it has a lot of useful information, and will give you a good idea of the different types of components involved.

I have wheel steering, and prefer it. From a security point of view, virtually all wheel steering systems have an emergency tiller provision.

 

[fireball]

Re: Big job...

Which 30 foot jenny do you have?

 

[DuneCraig]

Re: Big job...

It's a Folie Douce.

I do prefer a wheel to a tiller but I'm undecided yet whether to go ahead.

I think I can use the existing end of the tiller shaft as an emergency tiller point.

I had a look at the Edison site. That's a great starting point.

Thanks.

 

[Jcorstorphine]

I have found two reprints available from PBO which may be helpful as they refer to fitting wheel steering to a Westerly Centaur. I used to have a 31 ft Westerly with Wheel Steering and thought it was great but then the Westerly was a heavy type boat and was perhaps more suited to wheel steering. I would suggest that you try and sail in a friends boat with wheel steering before you make a start.

Wheel steering for a Centaur Bertram Oxford
Oct 1992 p55


Wheel steering for a Centaur Susan Hammond
Oct 1997 p122

JC

 

[robertcrees]

The Edson website is very helpful and the on-line guide will show you the various ways of setting the system up. I was going to do this myself on a UFO 31. However, I ultimately bought a Hustler 30 and will be keeping it on tiller steering as it comes with a new tiller pilot. I still have the wheel steering system that I bought and have just advertised to sell it. It is a Simpson Lawrence aluminium pedestal, stainless wheel, quadrant (to fix onto the rudder shaft), pulleys, chain drive and wires. If you are interested give me a call - 07931 515 538. Asking price is £200 ovno (Essex/South Coast).