[C320-list] Adjusting Steering cable tension

[Ken Danko]

Also worth mentioning, check the attachment to the quadrant. If the 
cable running on the starboard side of the quadrant also attaches to the 
starboard side of the quadrant it may run over a sharp edge that will 
eventually cut the cable. In other words, the cables should attach to 
the opposite side of the quadrant from the side they run along. We know 
that some Catalina quadrants were not cabled correctly which, in my 
case, let to a catastrophic steering failure in 30 knot winds. Photos of 
the broken cable are on the C320 web site so you can see where the cut 
is likely to happen.

Ken Danko
802, Grace

On 5/22/12 10:02 AM, Gary Malcolmson wrote:
> Brad,
> I believe you will find that the quadrant is not threaded where the 
> eyebolts connect, at least they weren't on my 2003 C310.  You'll just 
> need to un-lock the two nuts on the eyebolt, and then snug up the 
> cable, then re-lock the two nuts.  Per Edson's Steering Inspection 
> Checklist 
> (http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/PDFs/inspection/EB372SteeringInspection.pdf) 
> the cables should deflect 1" per foot; in other words they won't be 
> real tight.  When I adjusted mine it didn't take a lot of torque to 
> snug these up.  This would be good time to do the Edson Checklist to 
> be sure all else is OK on the steering system--hopefully something 
> hasn't gone "bad" to cause the cables to be loose.
> Gary
>
> On 5/22/2012 4:51 AM, Brad Kuether wrote:
>> Hey everyone,
>>
>> So on our shakedown sail last weekend definetely noticed that the 
>> steering has gone a bit soft.  Was down in the hole and took pics of 
>> the quadrant.  According to Warren, the adjustment is just tightening 
>> the nuts on the two eye bolts.  I am assuming (but not proceeding yet 
>> which makes that ok) that the eye bolts are NOT threaded into the 
>> quadrant in any way.  Otherwise you would have to take the cable 
>> apart because the eye would turn.....  I ask because crazier things 
>> have been done, like when they glassed in all my electrical wiring on 
>> my prior Ericson...
>>
>> Also looking for any advise on best way to do it.  Leave the wheel 
>> centered or turn it to port/starboard ?  Thinking about purchase and 
>> leverage here.....
>>
>> Thanks for any and all advice!!!!!
>>
>> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
>> "Independence"
>> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
>> Middle River, MD
>>
>>
>
>