[C320-list] More questions...... Rudder and electric

[Larry Frank]

Beware, a member of our yacht club broke her wrist by reaching between the
spokes to shift or change the throttle position while backing her Catalina
36.  The force that the rudder can create needs to be taken seriously.

The best way to prevent this is not to reach between the spokes and to make
small wheel movements while backing.

Larry
WindSwept Catalina 320 #246

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of warren updike
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 8:31 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] More questions...... Rudder and electric

The design of the C320 rudder (rotation axis well forward of the center of
rudder effort,) facilitates steering esp. against weather.  However, it also
exaggerates the rudder effect when moving in reverse.  If you haven't
experienced this you need to be aware.  The effect of over steering in
reverse is that the pressure on the rudder increases exponentially and can
easily pull the wheel out of your hand and out of control.  Such a turn can
slam the rudder against the stops causing things to break.  This may be what
happened to your PO and why there are stops at 40%.  Moral: only limited
wheel movements in reverse and no more than 2kts in reverse.  

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Kuether [mailto:bkuether at comcast.net] 
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:17 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] More questions...... Rudder and electric

Hello again everyone and thanks for all the responses.

I still think something is awry, 40 degrees (80 total) just doesn't seem
right.  Its better without the snubber.

I took another look today, and the cable looks to be BRAND NEW, it may be
possible the PO had to replace it and made it too small?  Or maybe the
brokerage house did that.

Who has got a later model 320 (2003, 04, 05) in the greater Baltimore area?
I would like to take a look at someone elses setup to be sure I am not
losing my mind.


Regarding the electrical system, I actually plugged in for the first time.
I got the fridge going and had my first "cold from my own fridge" beverage.


I think, I leave it plugged in, battery switch to both, and the
refridgerator switch "on".  It doesn't "seem" I need to have the battery
charger switch flipped.  The batteries looked like they were charging just
with the boat plugged in.  Does this seem right?

Thanks again and sorry for all the questions.  I don't have the luxury of
"fiddling around" as I have a younger family.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD