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EnduranceDC · 21-03-2022, 19:30

I recently purchased a Contessa 32 that is Canadian-built, so it has a wheel. As a single-hander, I would like to convert to a tiller. The rudder post on my boat extends above the cockpit floor by about three inches. Am I wrong in thinking that I could simply install a tiller head and a tiller to the top of the post?

If it is possible, then what tiller head would you recommend?

Thanks!

seandepagnier · 21-03-2022, 19:55

Is it for an emergency rudder?

EnduranceDC · 21-03-2022, 20:02

No, I'd like it to be the main steering configuration.

nuku34 · 21-03-2022, 20:55

Re rudder head fitting: You don't specify what shape the top of you rudder post has: square, round with a slot for a key, and so on. There should be no problem either finding a ready-made head fitting (try contacting the people in the UK who still make Contessa 32's), or having a machine shop make one up. Once you have the appropriate head that attaches very tightly to the rudder post, you need to make a tiller with two metal pieces that bolt each side of the tiller and have a hole that will take the large bolt that holds them onto the head fitting. Then you will need to get rid of the wheel pedestal and disconnect the linkage that goes to the under cockpit rudder quadrant. (just leave the quadrant there). Its all pretty much a no-brainer if you have any kind of mechanical ability.
I have a Cavalier 32 (NZ designed and built) which is very similar to the Contessa 32. The NZ built ones all have tiller steering, the OZ ones mostly have wheels. A wheel on a 32ft boat is total overkill, tiller is much better for the feel, for simplicity, and for attaching an autopilot (electric or windvane, which you will need for single-handing).
Good luck!

seandepagnier · 21-03-2022, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnduranceDC

No, I'd like it to be the main steering configuration.

I realize.. but is it for that now?

EnduranceDC · 21-03-2022, 21:36

Nuku34, it's a round post with a slot. From what you describe, the configuration is in line with what I imagined it would be, and, that said, it's a no-brainer! I will contact the folks in the UK and see what they suggest. I appreciate your response.

johnn33 · 22-03-2022, 05:28

They are here about one mile from where I live
https://www.jeremyrogers.co.uk/conte...d-accessories/
John

Gary Mc · 22-03-2022, 06:28

From the site listed above. Good choice to go with a tiller!

Siberian Sea · 22-03-2022, 08:52

Many boats like mine for example when through changes during the production years. The early Cal-40s like mine had a tiller arm while the latter ones had a wheel. It might be that your vessel came with one or the other depending on the year. If so it might be somewhat easy to convert to tiller arm through existing designs and parts. While wheel steering has its pluses and its much more intuitive for as because how we drive cars, I much prefer the simplicity and reliability of a good tiller. Also I have a Monitor self steering wind vane pilot on my boat and these work much better with a tiller then a wheel do to a tillers much faster response. But we all here have our own opinions and each is valid. The Contessa 32 is a great boat that can take a competent skipper most anywhere wheel or tiller.

Bowdrie · 23-03-2022, 15:31

Seeing as that you're on the East coast, you might give Spartan Marine a call.

https://www.spartanmarine.com/all-pr...udder+Fittings

Vince124 · 01-04-2022, 04:33

I did this on a Contessa 26 that had a wheel retrofitted to it by a previous owner. The conversion back was not as quick as some may think. My engine controls were on the pedestal and a new throttle location had to be mounted. Other considerations were the hole left in the deck by the pedestal and the replacement of the quadrant. All advantages aside, I later found a sizable crack hidden under the quadrant that would have almost certainly come apart at the worst time.

malbert73 · 01-04-2022, 04:46

I did this on my prior boat, a Luders 33. Made the boat much better! Edson made a keyed bronze rudder post head with hinge that attached to a tiller

EnduranceDC · 01-04-2022, 07:29

Malbert73, could you describe "keyed bronze rudder post head with hinge." My rudder has a cylindrical-shaped post at the top with a slot. Is the slot the element that requires the key? I've looked at the Edson post heads but am not clear on their interaction with the slot (the photos on their site only show the post heads from the top). Do the keys come with the head? Is the hinge the element that the tiller mounts to? Thanks for your reply!