Re. a proposed purchase for +/- $17,000 of a 1982 Cal. 30, on Thu, 26
Feb 2004, Jim Cate further wrote in pertinent part::

I thought I might get some helpful information
from sailers on the ng who had looked into this
already, so that I would have some knowledte
of what's involved and what price ranges to expect.
- That's why I posted the note in the first place.

And that's why I suggest that it would be desirable for you to verify
whether the +/- $1,500 cost to which you referred was realistic and
gave you the link to the Edson catalog (from which you readily would
have determined that a new purchase just of the equipment if from that
supplier would probably cost in that range quite apart from the labor
and related fiberglassing costs of installation and which would have
also led you to other materials to the effect that other
manufacturers' products are similarly priced).

I have a strong preference for wheel steering.

So do I.

Yet I also recognize that many others prefer a tiller and (obviously)
that the boat to which you refer is designed for and presently
equipped with tiller steering.

* * * if I decided to sell the boat (or . . . died and
my wife had to sell the boat), it would be far, far, easier
to sell with a wheel steering system than with a tiller.

Maybe, you can predict the likely market in the Galveston Bay area if
(you don't say: when) you later decide to sell or you die; but, maybe,
you can't. But even if correct, this rejoinder begs the question
whether one reason such a sale will be "easier" (especially if "far,
far" so) is that the price at which such a boat realistically will be
sell-able will not reflect any (much less: anything approaching full)
reimbursement to you of the conversion costs (and, as earlier noted,
maybe you don't care).

why shouldn't I make use of the internet and get
answers to my immediate questions first, before
I go further? For example, what's involved in making
such a conversion; . . .

You already know: what is "involved" is buying or finding a donator of
used pedestal, wheel, cables, and related equipment (as, among others,
Edson will tell you and as you readily could have determined by
looking at the Edson catalog or by telephoning that company); then in
doing the installation/(re)glassing, etc. Further, if (as I presume
is so though you haven't actually said) you're referring to the Cal
9.2 [meter] model, the rudder design almost certainly isn't
susceptible to use of external cabling compared with the need to
install an internal under-deck wheel or rack/pinion; and so the labor
involved ought not be underestimated. Which is also why I suggested
that you verify the price you say had been indicated (but not actually
explicitly/bindingly quoted) to you.

. . . does anyone have experience in such a project,
and what were their experience; and, are there any
kits that would simplify the job.

As I told you, Edson will give you a suggested packgage/kit price, and
others probably will do the same.

In other words, if such a project is not practicable,
or if the costs are far more than the dollar
range I mentioned, why waste my time in reviewing
the characteristics of the boat (particularly since I
have already sailed on similar Cals several times.)

Apart from the actual net dollar cost for parts/labor, it would be
difficult to believe that (perhaps especially in such a popular
sailing area as Galveston) one could not more or less readily find a
comparable boat which will satisfy your "strong preference for wheel
steering" yet at a comparable price (but with the wheel rather than
tiller already installed/workable).