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Has anyone tried removing the wheel steering apparatus and replacing it with a tiller on a DE-38 cutter?
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BruceK said
Has anyone tried removing the wheel steering apparatus and replacing it with a tiller on a DE-38 cutter?
Today I visited s/v WANDERLUST, a DE-38 nearly sold in Kemah, TX.
I sat in the cockpit with my feet in the floor pit and could EASILY see the bowsprit and had enough visibility for safety at sea while on watch. I'm 5'8" tall.
Behind the helmsman's chair aft of the wheel, there is a bronze deck plate that I assume is a cover for the emergency tiller in the event that the wheel steering has problems.
If my assumptions are correct, I believe the DE-38 cutter can be converted to tiller steering and that opens up a whole new world of sailing for me.
My thanks to Carolyn Lexa of HSH Yacht Sales in Kemah, TX for showing the boat to me in these late stages of being sold.
It was nearly 600 miles of driving in the rain well worth the effort. -b
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I have thought about it 
footwell would be awesome with the wheel out of the way.
scott
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Hi BruceK,
Just curious as to your own reasons for wanting to switch a DE 38 to a tiller? I know you gain more room in the cockpit, etc with a tiller. Just would like to hear your ideas for the switch.
I have had tiller boats in the past, but they have all been lighter weight vessels. An Albin Ballid 30 that I used to race for one. But 43 feet, 3 sails and 20k+ pounds is a lot of weight on a stick!
For me... the wheel stays. (unless your logical reasons talk me out of it.) 
Cheers!
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Sailfish said
Hi BruceK,Just curious as to your own reasons for wanting to switch a DE 38 to a tiller? I know you gain more room in the cockpit, etc with a tiller. Just would like to hear your ideas for the switch.
I have had tiller boats in the past, but they have all been lighter weight vessels. An Albin Ballid 30 that I used to race for one. But 43 feet, 3 sails and 20k+ pounds is a lot of weight on a stick!
For me... the wheel stays. (unless your logical reasons talk me out of it.)
Cheers!
Hi Sailfish, Scott and all,
Thank-you for your response.
Even with Mom & pop as crew, either one is single handing while on watch during a long passage.
1. With a tiller between the knees, both hands are free to handle sheets during a tack or jibe, or pour a cup of coffee from the thermos.
2. Repairs are simple and easy.
3. Lends itself nicely to windvane steering, which does not require electricity.
4. Split second hard over response.
5. Sit to steer on high or low side instead of wearing out the knees while standing watch.
6. As Scott said, more foot well room.
7. No delay when trying to reach the companionway or return.
With a balanced sail plan, the tiller does not need a lot of torque effort. I sail with the boat on her feet and fall off a bit to weather to keep it that way and avoid excessive leeway. The tiller suits me fine.. Nothing wrong with a wheel either. I prefer the tiller to sail on. -b 
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I'd often thought about this as I prefer a tiller for a lr reasons.
Has anyone done this as a relatively permanent arrangement?
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BruceK said
BruceK said
Has anyone tried removing the wheel steering apparatus and replacing it with a tiller on a DE-38 cutter?Today I visited s/v WANDERLUST, a DE-38 nearly sold in Kemah, TX.
I sat in the cockpit with my feet in the floor pit and could EASILY see the bowsprit and had enough visibility for safety at sea while on watch. I'm 5'8" tall.
Behind the helmsman's chair aft of the wheel, there is a bronze deck plate that I assume is a cover for the emergency tiller in the event that the wheel steering has problems.
If my assumptions are correct, I believe the DE-38 cutter can be converted to tiller steering and that opens up a whole new world of sailing for me.
My thanks to Carolyn Lexa of HSH Yacht Sales in Kemah, TX for showing the boat to me in these late stages of being sold.
It was nearly 600 miles of driving in the rain well worth the effort. -b
Yes Bruce that is where the emergency tiller is fitted. It's very simple, you just remove the cover plate and it slips straight on top of the rudder post. I put mine on Tondelayo when I bought her, prior to delivering her home and I've never tried it since. You've inspired me to whack it back in and take her for a sail to see how she feels with a tiller. I'll take a few pics and post them with a bit of a review in the next few weeks.
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