Tiller vs. Wheel steering:
Have tiller, --wish I had a wheel.
22% (2 votes)
Have tiller, love it!
22% (2 votes)
Have wheel, --wish I had a tiller.
11% (1 vote)
Have wheel, --love it
44% (4 votes)
Total votes: 9
Sun, 02/12/2012 - 17:53
#2
Tiller
I love the direct connection to the rudder with the tiller, but given the size of the Spencer 35 cockpit, it certainly takes up room. I also dislike bending over to the engine controls, especially in tight docking situations and losing sight momentarily.
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 09:43
#3
wheel or tiller?
i have in my Spencer 35 an hydraulic steering (wagner hydraulic steering) placed in 1982. Two mounts ago the pump has broken and now i have to change it. It is impossible to have an helm pump Wagner B1, so i bought an Italian helm Pump ( 670 euro). I think the tiller is better, by the tiller you can fill the rudder, but the hydraulic steering is more comfortable particularly in a long trip.
Gaetano Ceravolo
SV S 35 El Bagahllah
Catanzaro lido, Italy
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 15:10
#4
Need more answer choices!
I had a wheel but switched to a tiller. There was no option in the poll for that. Probably better since it would split the tiller vote. :)
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 15:56
#5
wheel -> tiller
did you have a quadrant, or do I remember something about a hydraulic system...?
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 18:31
#6
It was hydraulic steering
A previous owner installed hydraulic wheel steering. The push-pull hydraulic cylinder attached to a lever, mounted on the rudder post, which acted like a quadrant. Fortunately, the original bronze tiller attachment and the tiller was still aboard. Of course afterwards I had to fill in all the holes he cut in the cockpit.
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 13:57
#7
Tiller
The first day out sailing with the old tiller was a bit breezy. Close to 20 knots with 5 ft seas. On the second day of the five day trip I noticed the tiller was delaminating. I suppose that's to be expected since the boat, and presumably the tiller, is almost 50 years old. I forced some waterproof glue between the wood layers then drilled holes every six or eight inches along the top. Into the holes I put one and a half inch #12 SS wood screws. That seems to be holding it together.
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 15:47
#8
I remember the thread now.
I also remember thinking it sounded like a bear to undo. How's sailing onboard with the tiller working out?
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 19:48
#9
hmm...
the wheels seem to be winning 3 to 1.
What I really want is a tiller AND a wheel and the ability to switch back and forth whenever I want. I have no idea how that would work, but in an ideal world without compromises..... I currently have a hydraulic wheel on my Spencer 35. For pure sailing fun, the tiller is best because of the feedback (I occasionally disconnect the hydraulic steering and use the emergency tiller). But I also have a pilot house steering station, and here in the Pacific Northwest where it rains a lot, that warm, dry, inside steering sure is nice.
Carina
c/o Ron and Nancy Raty
Port Orchard, WA USA