Can you hook up a steering wheel to a sailboat?

Question

I see all of these sailboats with steering wheels and I just bought a 25 foot O'Day. I am wondering if I can hook up a wheel to it. I dont mean only to the motor I mean to the rudder. and If you can How?

Answer 1

Sure... you can even buy the conversion kit from WEST MARINE and a few other sources.  From your question, I would suggest you may want to have it installed professionally, however because the are some PHYSICAL modifications that have to be made to the boat.

Answer 2

Your tiller is the best for your size> edson steering make all the parts but $$$$$> Get an auto pilot if you are cruising>

Answer 3

any thing can be done, its a matter of  a good amount of money.

Answer 4

There is a good debate about wheel steering here:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/general-di...

Answer 5

45 CAL has the answer.  It can be done, but is it worth that much $$$.  The tiller will give a lot better feel for your boat, and how she is handling, much better than the wheel steering will.  Plus, you can make a quicker response if so needed with the tiller.

On your next boat, consider the wheel steering on a larger boat.