WindandCs
New Member
Hey Y'all,... Well I'm expecting some controversial opinions on this topic, and I'm guessing most will be against this idea. Honestly, I'm not exactly sure where the emergency tiller comes into the cockpit, as we're just going to look at two 383s this weekend, but I definitely want to convert to tiller if possible.
So my query is;
1. Did any of the 38s come with a tiller?
2. Has anyone converted to tiller?
3. In your opinions, is the boat too heavy/balanced to be steered by tiller?
I've heard the emergency tiller is a quite contrived contraption on the 38s, but I feel a true tiller with a regular installation would function as any normal stock tiller installation. I also am thinking that the cockpit is long enough to have a tiller with enough leverage to work the boat, which I don't feel would be overly long anyway. I've been on some rather large boats with tillers that worked very well, some Pacific Seacraft 37s come with a tiller and work very well. Of course that doesn't mean a M38 will.
I will explain my position. Not big on wheels for off shore cruising. I like to have my boat as simple as possible, with as little to go wrong as can be. Also, a wind vane works considerably better with a tiller. I know the guys at Monitor have the wheel set available and it works well with a wheel, and I've seen the installation, but IMHO they are still better served attached to a tiller, and I think they agree. Again, more simple, less to go wrong, not as much play in the rig to a tiller as the wheel, and way more room in the cockpit without a wheel, especially at anchor. I think a cockpit with as much room to move around in without obstacles, especially in a seaway makes for a far safer boat.
Our current boat has rack and pinion steering, and while very nice, it can still malfunction easier than a tiller connected right to a rudder post.
Anyway, that is my new thread. I'm not really interested in a debate about the merits of either, just interested in Y'all's opinions about the ability to make the conversion, how you feel the boat will behave in front of a tiller, and can the boat be safely handled with a tiller.
Thanks Y'all, I'm, looking forward to a lively conversation about these great boats!
Peace ~ Curtis
So my query is;
1. Did any of the 38s come with a tiller?
2. Has anyone converted to tiller?
3. In your opinions, is the boat too heavy/balanced to be steered by tiller?
I've heard the emergency tiller is a quite contrived contraption on the 38s, but I feel a true tiller with a regular installation would function as any normal stock tiller installation. I also am thinking that the cockpit is long enough to have a tiller with enough leverage to work the boat, which I don't feel would be overly long anyway. I've been on some rather large boats with tillers that worked very well, some Pacific Seacraft 37s come with a tiller and work very well. Of course that doesn't mean a M38 will.
I will explain my position. Not big on wheels for off shore cruising. I like to have my boat as simple as possible, with as little to go wrong as can be. Also, a wind vane works considerably better with a tiller. I know the guys at Monitor have the wheel set available and it works well with a wheel, and I've seen the installation, but IMHO they are still better served attached to a tiller, and I think they agree. Again, more simple, less to go wrong, not as much play in the rig to a tiller as the wheel, and way more room in the cockpit without a wheel, especially at anchor. I think a cockpit with as much room to move around in without obstacles, especially in a seaway makes for a far safer boat.
Our current boat has rack and pinion steering, and while very nice, it can still malfunction easier than a tiller connected right to a rudder post.
Anyway, that is my new thread. I'm not really interested in a debate about the merits of either, just interested in Y'all's opinions about the ability to make the conversion, how you feel the boat will behave in front of a tiller, and can the boat be safely handled with a tiller.
Thanks Y'all, I'm, looking forward to a lively conversation about these great boats!
Peace ~ Curtis