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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Wheel or Tiller

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jkountz
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/30/2002 : 15:19:16

I am purchasing a new C250WK and I am debating between a wheel and tiller. I've heard that the tiller has a better feel than the wheel and that the wheel takes up a whole lot of room in the cockpit. And finally, the dealer said the wheel will add about $1500 to the price.

I am interested to hear from current C250 owners.

Thanks

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2002 : 17:16:06

I thought a wheel would be pretty cool until I got to sail a C-310 with one. I definitely prefer the tiller. If I ever move up to a bigger boat, I'll try to find one with a tiller.

As for room in the cockpit, I can't say since I've never been on a 250 with a wheel.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
<img src="http://members.sailnet.com/profile/uploads/weenybean/2002_0428AF.JPG" border=0>

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2002 : 22:27:33

having had both, and not being the most experieced sailor here, i can say that i have not noticed that much difference in FEEL in the boat. pure sailors will always say that the tiller is the best. (BUT THE WHEEL SURE LOOKS NICE!) all kidding aside, it frees up the cockpit for passengers as they dont have to jump around every time you tack. i would go with the wheel again, if i am so luck to ever get another boat. to be honest, having had the tiller, it took me a while to get used to the wheel, but now that i have it, it is like second nature.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

acierno
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 08:41:37

the wheel takes up less room when you consider where people will sit when you tack (everyone has to be forward of tiller radius) and also frees up seat over gas tank. also allows you to have stuff mounted to pedestal bracket like table, etc. i have a tiller on this boat, but would prefer a wheel and would be willing to sacrifice the extra feel and responsivity gained by the direct connection to teh rudder

ron
'mia alessandra'
250wk, hull 463

Edited by - on

andy
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 11:46:14

I wouldn't consider a wheel on this boat. A little more seating is not worth giving up the control and feel of a tiller. There is a maintainence factor as well.

Andy Anderson
CSCO Kid #163WB
Mill Harbor YC
McCall Idaho

Edited by - on

andy
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 11:46:40

Edited by - on

jguyot
1st Mate

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USA
97 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 12:07:56

I too have the wheel and would not go back to the tiller. Whenever I have "non-sailors" on board, I always like to have them "steer" so they can also experience the "joy" of sailing. I tell them it is just like driving a car...... and they luv it!!! The "Admiral" will now take the wheel AND enjoys it!! Whereas before she always got flustered on which way to push the tiller & it usually was the wrong way!!! It got so bad that she didn't want to take the helm at all...... But now it's no problem..... She likes it! REMEMBER..... if the Admiral is happy..... we are all happy <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>!! Another nice thing is also getting the remote controls for the pedestal. This brings both the throttle & shift lever up to the pedestal so you can keep your eyes on what you are doing and not looking/reaching back at the motor to shift or change the throttle when docking, etc. Much easier. I vote for the wheel <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Jerry Guyot
2001 250WK #586
"Sail La Vie"

Edited by - on

MarkTM
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 13:15:12

I, too, vote for the wheel. More crew can fit in the cockpit (since they don't have to scatter when tacking); the fuel locker cover serves nicely as a seat for the helmsman; the steering pedestal has a wheel brake to keep the rudder locked in position for those times when you need to temporarily leave the wheel; you get a very nice Ritchie binnacle mounted lighted compass; the aftermarket Edson pedestal guard is a great foundation for mounting navigation and communication equipment (GPS, chartplotters, handheld VHF, cellphones, etc.) as well as drink/binocular holders and a cockpit table. I've been told by brokers that resale will be much higher with the wheel option and the boat will sell quicker. Local experience supports this claim. And, as has already been said, it is easier for the Admiral and guests to helm the boat. I tend to steer from the bottom of the wheel so that it works like a tiller (e.g., wheel to leeward to come about). I don't find that you lose much "feel". Yes, there is more that can go wrong with a wheel and its linkage . . . I have yet to experience any problems (I keep the emergency tiller in close proximity to the helm).

Mark Melchior
C250wb "Lorelei" #384
[url="http://www.texassailor.com/"]<img src="http://www.texassailor.com/texas.gif " border=0>[/url]
(click flag to visit Central Texas Sailor)

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 18:03:23

You know...it would be nice not to make everyone jump out of the way when tacking.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
<img src="http://members.sailnet.com/profile/uploads/weenybean/2002_0428AF.JPG" border=0>

Edited by - on

jkountz
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 19:02:26

Ok, I'm sold on the wheel. What's another $1500 that I don't have anyway <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>. The thing that sold me was the fact that I'd get another seat, the fuel storage compartment.

Thanks for the feedback.

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2002 : 21:41:51

Let me know if you're interested in a seat cushion for the fuel locker. My boat came with it even though I've got a tiller and can't use it.

BTW...welcome to the family<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
<img src="http://members.sailnet.com/profile/uploads/weenybean/2002_0428AF.JPG" border=0>

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2002 : 07:44:48

when it comes to the seat on the fuel locker, we have an igloo ultra cold 50 cooler that we bungie to the back rail. it raises the seat up to a great position for steering. its all white, fits perfectly and looks like part of the boat. and it beats the heck out of that cooler that came with the boat. we took that out, put shelves where it used to be and have a spring mounted "curtain" hiding the shelves. INSTANT CLOSET!

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

Rick Evans
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2002 : 12:37:04

Those with a wheel like them. Those with a tiller like the tiller. They each have their respective advantages and I think its a matter of personal preference. It is not a black & white decision. I picked a tiller because I found that the access to the wheel and the swim ladder is restricted because of the backstays and their relationship to the wheel. That can be very problematic when sailing solo since you have to go forward to release the jib sheets when coming about. It's a "cleaner" access to the jib winches with just the tiller in my opinion. Regardless, there are tradeoffs no matter which way you go. Is there any way you can try both?

Edited by - on

glstout
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2002 : 11:43:19

Our 250 is the 7th boat we have owned and it was ordered with tiller, we downsized from a C27 which had a wheel, prior to that at one point we had a Cape Dory 28 with a tiller for several years (the best boat we every had but kind of expensive to move around the country with). Personally we prefer the tiller; the number one reason is simplicity and a close 2nd is cost of autopilot as well as the straight forward installation of same. It's just something to consider.

gls

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2002 : 12:34:07

My reply to this question has been heard before, repeated again for this new owner. A big issue is comfort... and I'm not talking about moving people around cockpit to tack. It has more to do with those who might use there boat for coastal cruising.

The wheel provides for great standing exercise which on a small boat is greatly appreciated... that exercise is vital to cruising enjoyment on a boat the size of the c250. Though it wont't be for most...the c250 can be a great coastal cruising choice... and in my opinion made better by choosing the wheel.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224

Edited by - on

jkountz
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2002 : 14:01:19

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
My reply to this question has been heard before, repeated again for this new owner. A big issue is comfort... and I'm not talking about moving people around cockpit to tack. It has more to do with those who might use there boat for coastal cruising.

The wheel provides for great standing exercise which on a small boat is greatly appreciated... that exercise is vital to cruising enjoyment on a boat the size of the c250. Though it wont't be for most...the c250 can be a great coastal cruising choice... and in my opinion made better by choosing the wheel.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

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srogers
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2002 : 21:57:55

I have a wheel on my 250WK and enjoy it. My only complaint is the wheel size. When rounding the wheel going forward or aft, my ankle always seems to find the locker bolt. #$%$^&$* that smarts!
I've considered putting a smaller wheel on just to spare the crew hearing my salty talk.

Shawn Rogers
"Who Cares" #493

Edited by - on

coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2002 : 07:47:22

hahahahah! you are right about that. we have a wheel and hit those things every time. i was thinking, since we dont lock it anyway, we might just take them off!!!

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK

Edited by - on

jguyot
1st Mate

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USA
97 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2002 : 09:33:24

We also have the wheel & that was one of the first things I did after that first weekend on it!!! There is just one small screw from the back holding that "Ankle Biter" on! Easy mod..... MUCH BETTER now!!

Jerry Guyot
2001 250WK #586
"Sail La Vie"

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2002 : 13:32:11

Just curious: how does the linkage work and where is it routed on a C-250 wheel?

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk

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Sailor Vic
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2002 : 14:07:21

A smaller wheel?

Great idea!

Any negatives that anyone can think of?

Where could I buy such an animal that would fit perfectly?

Thanks,

Vic

Leon's Dream 660 WK

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2002 : 18:46:32

I did just that. I found a 20" wheel at the marine salvage yard in Los angeles ( on the internet). I can't remember what the place is called( it's pretty famous, I'm sure any of you salts from the socal area are very familiar with the joint.) but if you look up marine salvage, you'll find a few of them. They had quite a few 20" Edson destroyer wheel that fit, I think I paid around $135.00 including shipping. I put my old 24" wheel on E-bay and sold it for just under $200.00. Yes I like the smaller one, it doesn't cause any noticable difference in steering effort, and is considerably easier to walk around. And no it's not as wimpy as the Mac 16 wheel ! The Admiral and crew appreciate the added space available in the cockpit as well.

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 06/26/2002 : 08:08:15

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Let me know if you're interested in a seat cushion for the fuel locker. My boat came with it even though I've got a tiller and can't use it.

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Tray -

I'd be interested in the seat cushion. Please email me. I stand most of the time when steering, but sometimes on a long day I like to sit down & (now no laughing) since I'm short I can't see over the cabin top without a cushion.<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle> I've been using a kapok throw cushion, but its a pain.

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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18 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2002 : 09:21:52

One thing no one has mentioned regarding wheel vrs tiller is that with the tiller one is able to attach a tiller extender and when sailing singlehanded be much closer to the winches. Also, with the tiller extender, you can move forward and out on the side which can make an appreciable difference when sailing in higher winds. I find this to be a very comfortable position when combined with back rests attached to the life lines.

Thing Wind

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2002 : 17:09:27

Good perspective about the tiller extender... likely the reason it has never been commented about...is that prior to the balanced rudder...they didn't make em strong enough<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224

Edited by - on

andy
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2002 : 20:26:47

A tiller extender was the first thing I bought for the boat. I REALLY wouldn't want a wheel on this boat. It might be a throw-back from my dinghy sailing days tho. The boat handles so nicely with the tiller, quick responding to gusts, light pressure etc. I don't think you have the immediate response with the wheel. Of course I've never sailed a 250WB with a wheel, so I may be full if it!. All I know is the boat handles delightfully with the 3rd gen rudder... and a tiller.

Andy Anderson
CSCO Kid C250WB #163
MHYC- McCall, Idaho

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