Worm Gear Steering vs. Pedestal Steering

[Pubsnub]

Hello,

I am currently looking at 2 Allied Princess cutters. One has worm gear steering, and one has Edson pull/push pedestal steering. I have just been to see both boats, and I like the one with the worm gear. However, I have never sailed a boat with worm gear and am worried about the unresponsiveness v. a wheel or tiller.

I am planning to sail from the Gulf Coast (Mobile, AL) through the Caribbean, so no ocean crossings. Here are the yachtworld links for both:

1980 Allied Princess Cutter Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1979 Allied Princess Cutter Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated

Mark

[Nice N Easy]

If I am not mistaken, both these boats are full keelers. Don't think you will notice any difference between the steering systems. I helped a friend deliver an Allied Mistress, (39') across the gulf from Tampa to Galveston a couple years ago. It had the worm gear steering, and to me it seemed much stronger and more robust the the typical wheel setup. The boat was not very responsive, compared to what I was used to. But in all honesty, I believe this to be much more a result of the full keel than that of a worm gear steering system.

[Cheechako]

I've not had worm gear, but have been on boats that had it, I really like it from a standpoint of strength and simplicity and easy on the arms! it should be easy for an auto pilot to control too. Personally I think gear drive ought to be used more often.... sure , not if racing, but as a cruiser, I just want to point the boat in the direction I need to go adjust the sails to that and not have to mess with it.
Great looking cruisiers! Both Cutters too... I'd go for the Westerbeke (probably a perkins 4-108?) Those Volvo MD2B's are great engines but very difficult to rebuild/work on I understand....

[Pubsnub]

Thanks for the replies. I am heavily leaning towards the boat with the worm gear. I like the boat better overall, but I really love the strength and simplicity of the steering.