[C320-list] Fwd: Wheel Steering Safety Notice

[Jeff Hare]

Thanks Doug,

It's always good to work through the facts first.  The problem and
conclusions seem to make more sense now.  The key really seems to be how
well each individual boat managed to keep seawater out of the compass area.
Since both the plate and the pulley system are steel, the corrosion here
isn't likely one of dissimilar metals, but one of seawater corrosion.  One
could argue that all the parts should have been stainless.  My guess is that
galvanic corrosion is MORE likely with the new aluminum plate than with the
steel against steel system previously installed.  

So, if you DO install the new plate, use lots of TefGel grease anywhere
steel contacts aluminum and you should be fine.

My opinions here of course.
-Jeff  Hare
2001 #809 

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Doug Treff
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 10:42 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fwd: Wheel Steering Safety Notice

 

OK - I decided to go straight to the horse's mouth on this one. These are
Edson parts, so I thought a call to them was in order. I spoke with "Ed" in
technical support and here is what he told me: 

"It is NOT a dissimilar metals issue. These parts are known to last 30 years
or more in a properly cared for system. What is happening in some cases is
that water sometimes gets into the pedestal from above (around the compass,
etc) and drips down onto the steel plate in question. Over time, especially
in a salt water environment, the plate will rust and weaken, resulting in a
failure condition if it is allowed to progress too far. Edson recommends
regular inspection of the entire system and this plate is one of the
inspection items. The inspection checklist actually calls for replacement of
this plate if rust or corrosion is detected." 

I asked Ed, in particular, what should we be looking for with this issue?
His response: 

"Carefully inspect the idler pulley plate from below and look for flecks of
rust on the bottom of the plate. Also look for rust particles that may have
collected inside the removable inspection cover. If you have a small mirror
and a flashlight, it may be possible (depending on the way the system was
installed) to get a peek at the top surface of the plate as well. If you
find any corrosion or rust on this plate, then the replacement part would be
recommended as soon as possible." 

Additionally, Ed emailed me an Edson publication titled "Sailboat Steering
Inspection" which I have uploaded to the association site at:
http://www.catalina320.com/filemgmt_data/files/EB372SteeringInspection.pdf
This inspection should be carried out annually. 

Furthermore, Ed said that if any of you have additional questions, to feel
free to contact Edson tech support at (508) 995-9711 and they will be glad
to help. 

I hope this calms some fears and clears up any misinformation that may be
out there... 

---
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us