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Tiller vs. Wheel—Which Do You Prefer?
I grew up sailing with a tiller and love the direct feel, but now that I’m doing more offshore races, I’m wondering if I should embrace the wheel. Some say a tiller is more responsive, others say a wheel is less tiring on long passages. What’s your take?
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1 Reply
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56
Bronze
New Sailor
I started with a tiller too, and I still love the feel of it—there’s nothing like that direct connection to the boat. But on longer passages, especially offshore, a wheel definitely has its advantages. It’s less physically demanding over time, and it pairs well with an autopilot or wind vane, which can be a game-changer for fatigue. That said, if responsiveness is your priority and you love feeling every shift in the wind and waves, a tiller is hard to beat. Have you considered a tiller extension for more leverage, or are you leaning toward fully committing to the wheel?
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