Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:08pm

Hi, we are considering buying a 50'x 10' widebeam barge (narrowboat style)and we are not sure whether to go for hydraulic steering (wheel) or the traditional tiller style, our intention is to take the boat to France to cruise the French waterways so we'll be 'at the wheel' quite a lot of the time, also if we decide to go for Hydraulic, is it possible to either convert the steering mechanism etc to hydraulic from tiller or even have both as alternatives? Any views gratefully received. Thx Chris

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:06am

Tiller steering allows you to "feel" the boat better than hydraulic steering and unless you want the hydraulic ram above deck level your hull builder will have to make changes to the hull designs. If the fuel tank is around the rudder tube that may need lowering or moving to a different location. Many larger yachts have the option of fitting a tiller in the event of hydraulic failure to you can certainly have both. I think you need to talk to the technical departments of the hydraulic system manufacturers. Tony Brooks