Pros and cons

[Yamamike]

Just looking for some opinions on the pros and cons of the dual helm vs. single helm on the Catalina 400's. Thanks!!

[DDabs]

It's personal preference really. The pros of dual helms are you can sail the boat from further out on the side and have better visibility, and also you get a straight walkthrough to the transom. Having a single helm in the middle makes things a bit simpler. I like my single helm with all of my electronics at the helm, however I usually always sail the boat sitting on the side and never from the middle of the boat. My cockpit isn't that wide however, so I can get away with steering from the side with a single helm. The newer production boats are so wide that they almost all need dual helms.

[Yamamike]

Good points. I guess it would be a little more maintenance as well. Also would it require more autopilot "parts" to be installed?

[DDabs]

If it's a single rudder, then I wouldn't think so, but I am not entirely sure.


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[Stu Jackson]

Do you have a Catalina dealer in Ontario? Are there C400s for sale there? You might want to consider going to look at one and see how it all works. You could also find the C400 International Association, most likely Catalina 400 International Association and ask there, too.

[Yamamike]

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out!!


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[atoll]

the second wheel is great when you have crew that can't steer a proper compass course!
i call it the "training wheel"...........................

[Terra Nova]

Dual wheels were introduced to correct a design flaw in the vessel, carrying the maximum beam too far aft.

[ullar]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Dual wheels were introduced to correct a design flaw in the vessel, carrying the maximum beam too far aft.

Or carrying the wheel too far aft?

[Steadman Uhlich]

Simple way to solve the backseat driver problem!

Just put the admiral and captain each on their own wheels.

[Snowpetrel]

Interesting that most twin wheel setups have the engine controls only on one side, make sure prop rotation suits the side its set up for. Ie left hand prop, stb controls. Right hand Prop=port controls. Twin wheels are Ok, but I would avoid twin rudders, due to no propwash and vulnerable if you run aground or to hitting floating debris.

[lifeofreilly57]

Actually now since my wife is doing more of the sailing it sounds like a good idea, wonder if I could get that set up in the cars, or at least a second brake pedal.

[robert sailor]

SnowPetrol
I actually like the idea of twin rudders. I accept that the keel does protect a center line rudder but having a spare anything is always cool. I don't have one of course but still not a bad idea. I recognize that the twins are needed because with all that beam aft the rudder can stall much easier so with twins thats not going to happen.

[lifeofreilly57]

All joking aside, the twin wheels are almost required on some of the beamier boats coming down the pike these days. Carrying the beam back that far has good and bad design problems. Mostly it's for interior volume aft and a large cockpit for entertaining, if that's what your looking for it's right for you.
With that wide a cockpit visibility can be an issue, especially if your vertically challenged, like under 5'10" and can't see over the dodger from a central helm position. Going to wind it usually provides a more comfortable seating position if the cockpit is properly designed. The flip side is more hardware for the steering gear and reduced feel from the wheel since your working through two sets of gear.
All my boats have been single wheel but I have chartered and done transports on a couple dual wheel boats and did not have any issue adjusting to the setup. It all depends on how your going to use the boat. Personal preference.
DO you have a good idea of your future use for the boat? That might help people here get a better grip on how the pros and cons would work for your situation.

[dohenyboy]

I vote for autopilot with wireless remote.


Sent from an undisclosed location on the high seas or from the lounge chair by the pool, you decide.