[C320-list] Engine controls - two levers convert to one?

[Teddy Clausen]

Hi Graeme

There is a few thinks you have to consider if you decide to install a single 
lever control pedestal.

1 you would have to drill a new hole in your deck.

2 The cover in your aft berth will need to be modified to hold the cables.

If you go ahead could you let me know how you did it?

Happy sailing

Teddy
Cool Change 294
Australia

-----Original Message----- 
From: Graeme Clark
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 9:52 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Engine controls - two levers convert to one?

Just to add this link to a photo of the old arrangement I want to 
re-create - in case you cant work out what on earth I’m talking about!

http://tinypic.com/r/flasn5/8


G

The first 320 I part-owned (#303) was fitted with a single lever engine 
control (the type with the red button in the middle to engage neutral) that 
was mounted on a "secondary pedestal" that was supported between a plate 
attached to the top of the compass pedestal and by a stanchion to the deck, 
through which the control cables ran.

My new (to me!) 320  (#366) has two small levers either side of the 
compass - which I now realise is pretty standard - and I just cannot get on 
with them at all! Despite being 6ft 4” tall I find controlling these by 
reaching over the wheel very difficult, especially when changing from 
forward to reverse and steering at the same time, i.e. every time I come 
alongside!  Reaching through the wheel is equally cumbersome as my arm stops 
more than a few degrees of rotation! I find it very counter-intuitive to 
push the throttle forward to increase reverse thrust!

I guess it’s a learned skill like any other, but right now I’m thinking of 
converting to the single lever, side mounted option.

My question is - does anyone know who supplies those "supplementary 
pedestals", and what would be the correct name for it anyway? I’ve had a 
look at the Edson site but there’s nothing obvious there!

Many thanks

Graeme
Falmouth, England.