The wheel

[Sunset]

How difficult would it be to remove the wheel from a Catalina 27 and go to a tiller? I just cant handle the wheel taking up so much space on a small boat.

[Frank]

What year? Is it a 27 or a 270?
Most of the earlier 27's had a tiller so I'd guess it is certainly possible on a 27. The 270's (91 and up) mostly had wheels so I would assume would be more involved. Can you take a cockpit picture? Does the rudder post come through the cockpit floor?

[Sunset]

It is a 87, and the rudder post is exposed. Maybe for a emergency tiller.

[Frank]

If the rudder post is exposed, it should be a relatively simple job. Tillers for the 27 will be available from several suppliers. The actual rudder post head that excepts the tiller shouldn't be too hard to find between factory direct, aftermarket or swap meets. Properly sealing the pedastel bolt holes once you remove it will be critical to avoid de lamination from water seeping into whatever core they used. Outside looking in....seems the rudder post head that excepts the tiller will be the key to find...but easy to install..then it will be simple.

[Sunset]

I believe your right Frank, it shouldn't be a big deal. I looked Catalina Direct and was stunned to see the tiller head for $600 :o I would have to do some searching before I would buy that one.
We are going to look at one Thursday to see if we think we could do the loop in this boat.

[Frank]

OUCH!!!!!!!
Wah....$600!!
They built a ton of 27's so I'd be searching for a derilic boat.
Probably get it for $25 if you find one in the bone yard of a marina or storage yard. Put the question out on a Catalina site....may surprise you.
Good luck!!