Conversion from tiller to wheel steering

[rescuesailor]

I am currently rebuilding a True North 34 Cutter. The boat has a canoe stern and tiller steering. The rudder is hung on the stern post and comes above the deck where the current tiller attaches. I have wanted to convert to a wheel and recently pruchased a ss and aluminum steering box. The input shaft goes lock to lock in 2 1/4 turns, the output rotates about 70 degrees. I am considering mounting the box facing the rear in a raised seat just aft of the cockpit coaming. This will allow a shaft or control rod to go from the output shaft to a control arm mounted to the rudder. Any thoughts on the length of control arms on both the output shaft and the rudder? I am concerned I might lose some travel in rudder angle. Has any one else performed this conversion on a similar boat?

David

[Rachel]

Hi David,

I'm a "tiller person," so I can't answer your question. But I'm curious: Does the TN 34 you're restoring happen to be named "Khamsin"?

I did a bit of buddy boating with that boat, and I always thought the built-in "Morris chairs" and tables were really neat

(There were a pair of wood-and-upholstery angled chairs, in addition to three triangular tables - one in between the chairs and one on each end - where the starboard settee would be on most boats. Plus two movable footstools with storage. Very cool.)

Neat boat! And welcome to the forum :-)

[rescuesailor]

No, this boat was originally named Cassiopia, and then it was changed to Revelation. Under these names she cruised the west coast. She now resides in Texas. The current name is the Christina Louise. The True North's hull design mimics the 19th century fishing boats that worked the Columbia River. Mine has a traditional settee on the port side with a bench seat accross from it that doubles as a sea berth. The boats are unique as only a few were built. Thanks for the welcome!

David

[monkeymikey2000]

I'd just leave the boat with a tiller. The setup your boat has sounds so simple and reliable