[C320-list] First time out and QUESTIONS!

[Larry Frank]

Edison also sells a special nut to hold the wheel on that is round, about 2
inches in diameter and knurled.  This is very easy to tighten up or loosen
without the use of any tools.  I have one and find that I occasionally need
to reach down and tighten it up, but it is so easy it has become almost
second nature.  I keep the original nut in the nav station as a spare.  

Larry
WindSwept C320 #246

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Stan
Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 4:21 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] First time out and QUESTIONS!

Hi Brad,

1.. Is the snubber standard, or was it put on the by the PO?  Standard on
Hull #744
 2.. Can it be removed or is 40 degrees really what the turning radius is?
Do
you mean your wheel only turns 40 degrees???  That doesn't sound right.
 3.. Has anyone had problems with the wheel getting loose?  (I tightend the
piece that hold the wheel on and it just got loose again. ) Yes, Wrapped a
piece of leather around it and use channel locks to torqe in down.  No
problems since.
 4.. If you plug the boat in will it charge the batteries and does the
battery switch need to be in the on position for that to happen?.  (I know
RTFM, but I spent all my time diagnosing the steering!)  I have to turn the
battery switch to 1, 2 or both to charge batteries.  But I have modified my
system for three batteries.
 5.. Is there a temperature where the engine can safely be shutdown? As a
rule I let the engine idle for a bit while we get the dock lines secured and
the mainsail covered.  Then give it full throttle for about 5 seconds and
then pull the T handle.

My boat doesn't particularly like to turn to port in reverse either.  I've
found through the years that I have to pick up 1.5 to 2 Kts. of speed before
I turn the wheel.  The fat end  even makes it more it more difficult to back
into the wind.  Find yourself an isolated bouy and practice backing around
it at all speed and directions.  Another trick is to get up to the 1.5 - 2
Kts. and shift to neutral, start your turn and then shift back into reverse.

 Stan
"Our Little Amusement"
C320  #744
N 36 03' 15"
W 114 48' 16"
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