I have a tiller on my 77 and I have sailed C27s with both a wheel and tiller, and in my humble opinion, you cannot beat a tiller, especially on a boat the size of the 27. The response is so much faster and more intuitive and the feedback is immediate, one's arm feels directly connected to the rudder. I have never had a problem controlling the inboard while at the helm either and, personally I wouldn't trade the tiller for a wheel if you gave it to me installed. Plus, when at anchor the tiller lifts out of the way and the whole cockpit is available for use. If it is the image of standing behind the big wheel that appeals to you, then you just have to decide if the feeling is worth the money, but for performance and sailing, I'll keep my tiller.
Gene Tozzi C27, # 3431 Kingston, NY "Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters,They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep." Psalm 107:23-24. When I purchased my ’81 one of the features I was seeking was a wheel. But after test sailing a couple with wheels and a couple with tillers I quickly changed my mind. The 27 is small and light enough that a tiller gives you more information back to steering and helm etc.. And add to that the reduced space with a wheel in the small cockpit, it became a no brainer (for me). I ended up with a tiller and am pleased with the choice. But my next boat will have a nice big destroyer wheel to stand behind and command. Joe McCary Aeolus II. #4795, West River, MD www.aeoluswestriverwww.a joe at photoresponse dot com From: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) [mailto:[email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) ] On Behalf Of Victoria Bayly Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 3:09 PM To: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Subject: Re: [IC27A] tiller to wheel steer I spoke to several people about doing this a well to our 82 and they suggested not to do it. Basically they told me it was not very reliable and quite costly. I was disappointed and I hope maybe someday I can find someone with a different way to do it around here. --- On Fri, 11/27/09, Tim <_tpalmerca...@tpalmerca_ (mailto:[email protected]) <mailto:tpalmercat2mailto:tpamai> > wrote: From: Tim <_tpalmerca...@tpalmerca_ (mailto:[email protected]) <mailto:tpalmercat2mailto:tpamai> > Subject: [IC27A] tiller to wheel steer To: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) <mailto:IC27A%mailto:IC27A%mai> Date: Friday, November 27, 2009, 9:35 AM hi all.I just bought a 1979 Catalina 27 and want to convert her from tiller arm to wheel steer. Does anyone have any suggestions, or wornings? Do you need to install a stuffing box? [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
