Wheel Steering on C29

[Geoffrey Raebel]

Don noticed this query, below is his reply

Hi Geoff,  I saw Mike's query on the Compass web site & thought I'd add my "two bobs" worth. 

Hope you & Lynne are well & coping with this awfull weather we are having. Our lake front rose 2mtrs, but still had another metre to go before we needed to evacuate. So all good, even maintained power throughout the Cyclone.  Have you still got your boat?  

From El Patrone - Regards to all, Don Lees

Hi Mike, pleased to see you're  still in the loop.  In Answer to the first part of your question. The first C29 "Pride of Oleron" owned by Jim Orrell had tiller steering. Although it was an Owner preference, all factory fully  fitted C29's had wheel steering standard. 

The other  part answer to your question whether wheel is better than tiller? 

I believe it's all about setting up the boat, trim of your sails & getting to know how your boat responds in various sailing & sea conditions; that is why most sailors in smaller boats prefer tiller steer.   However a wheel steering set up as on the C29 allows more space in the cockpit,  is very direct because of the cable drive but takes more time to feel the response of your boat as inexperienced wheel steering  Helmsman will tend to oversteer, especially in a following sea leaving a zig zag wake & a rock & roll uncomfortable ride.  

Mike, this is my take on your subject.  

Cheers, Don.

[Geoffrey Raebel]

I am wondering if I still have a pic of Jim on a quiet day on the way to Coffs, from memory. The camera is aimed up at Jim, having a bucket of cold water throw in his face.  Quite a convincing pic unless you know the detail!

Geoff Raebel

[Geoffrey Raebel]

Also from memory, the first four C29's did not have the 4" land around the gunwale, before the increase in headroom.

Geoff

[Michael Ball]

Thanks for the reply Don. I "felt" more while tiller steering my Northerner 28 than wheel steering the Innovator33. But that was just me and my personal preferences I suppose. Also I like simplicity of design (says he as the owner of a older hydropneumatics Citroen) :-)

Michael 

[Maeling]

Late reply - I opted to fit Maeling with tiller steering.  I have worked under the cockpit on Maeling in the calm of the mooring.  Even then I find myself fighting claustrophobia.  Luckily I accidentally made a " 4 inch spare" hole in the cockpit for the wrong Morse throttle/gear system.  That spare hole has been very useful over the years and the fresh air helps with the claustrophobia.  All that said, Don told me he had not heard of any problems with the many wheel steering, set ups he delivered.

Geoff Raebel