wrote in message
...
I have used a tiller for 25 years. Now I am moving to a larger boat. From
I can see most boat over 30 feet's come with a wheel. I have found the
tiller very responsive especially when negotiating lobster pots and toggles
in heavy fog.
Hunter Marine and others are now connecting the wheel with the Cobra Rack
and Pinion system.
I wonder if this is more responsive and dependable then the cable system.
The Lowmar website does not show much on the mechanical operation of the
Cobra Rack and Pinion.
I wonder if someone can offer some comments on this subject.
TIA

All things being equal, a rack and pinion steering system will be more
reliable than one using cables. I have no experience with the Cobra, but I
do like the Whitlock rack & pinion unit on my boat (a 44ft cutter). It has
a nice positive feel, no slop, good feedback from the rudder, and it seems
very rugged. It takes a couple of turns to put the rudder hard-over, so it
isn't as responsive as a tiller would be. It also isn't as fatiguing as a
tiller, and doesn't take up as much cockpit space.

-Paul