[C320-list] Lewmar Wheel - was Pedestal ICOM command mike

[John Frost]

My folder is new, but has no wobble at all.
In fact I had the opposite problem. The plastic collars that screw down to
lock the folding joint were so tight that I had to lubricate them to get
them in place. Seems perfect now.

Now if I can just figure out how close to the wind I actually want to steer.

John Frost
2007 C320 MKII, Hull # 1118
Lake Guntesville, AL

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Allan S. Field
Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 6:43 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Lewmar Wheel - was Pedestal ICOM command mike

Hi Bruce - Yes, the first wheel failed where the spokes were welded to the
hub of the wheel.  Lewmar stood behind this problem 100%, already
recognizing that this was a weak link in the design.  Mine was not the first
failure.  They redesigned the hub and it was obvious from the second wheel
that this problem had been resolved.  The welds were perfect.

But the first and second wheel both had an additional problem.  The wheel
folds at 4 joints and it was these joints that had way too much tolerance
designed in, creating a considerable amount of wobble that I never had with
the Edson wheel.  I am surprised that you note wobble in the Edson wheel; is
the locking hub screwed down tight?  It will back-off a little over time and
periodically needs to be tightened.  Perhaps that is the issue with yours?

Orlando's wheel did not have the wobble at the 4 folding joints.  Either he
is fortunate or Lewmar again redesigned the thing to take out the wobble.  I
was quite pleased with the feel of Orlando's wheel (Lord, what have I opened
myself up for here?!?!).  But I don't plan on getting a third wheel and
trying it out.  The concept is great, the execution times 2 has not been
good for me, so I am content to stay with the Edson.

Hope this helps.

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Stanley
Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 9:57 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Lewmar Wheel - was Pedestal ICOM command mike

Hi Allan

Edson Helms on the recent C320s (mine and at least 3 others) are indeed
wobbly.
I have that Lewmar Helm on my WANT list, even my NEED LIST.
I am amazed at your experiences.
Your photo on the C320 site shows a beautifully designed, folding Lewmar
Helm.
That it proved a dud in your 2 attempts !!! ... has me lost for words,
and is a very big disappointment!

I do appreciate knowing that first.
Was the problem in the 4 folding 'hinge' areas, or where the spokes join the
hub?
Was Orlando's Helm identical to yours?

Thanks for keeping us in the know,
Bruce Stanley C320 #1084/Fantastic Lady
Sydney Australia

PS the Turks Head knot in the photo has inspired me to do the same ;o>