[C320-list] Tightening Steering Cable

[Jack Brennan]

While you’re down there, put on a glove and feel along the cable. If there are any broken strands, it’s time to replace it. An interesting but not particularly difficult job I did on a previous sailboat. You can buy a new chain and cable from Defender.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Chris Burti
Sent: Thursday, March 4, 2021 9:27 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Tightening Steering Cable

It isn’t so tiny…I’m 6’2” 250 lbs and can get in and out pretty well at 70…but that said, the cable can also be adjusted with a couple of wrenches while in the aft berth with your arm through the aft lazarette hatch. Note… you need to adjust both sides an equal number of turns or your wheel center spoke will be off center.

Loosen the nut on the cable side of the fitting and tighten the outside nut on each side to tighten the cable. You might want to check with Edson for professional advice on tensioning.

Thanks,
Chris Burti
Commitment #867
Farmville, NC

From: Crosby Roper
Sent: Thursday, March 4, 2021 9:07 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Tightening Steering Cable

I think you need to go into the space aft of the aft cabin and approach it from there. Edson was very helpful when I need to adjust my steering cable tension. I'd give them a call.

Crosby  Roper VMD

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Clay Carter <fclaycarter at yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 4, 2021 5:36 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Tightening Steering Cable

If your 320 is not equipped with an emergency tiller kit, I suggest you invest in one.  I lost my steering in heavy weather/seas as a result of the cable being too loose and coming off the pulley on top of the rudder post.  Now I'm trying to figure out how to loosen the cable clamps and tighten the cables within this tiny, tight space.  Does anybody have experience/suggestions about how to go about this?
Thanks.
Clay CarterWe'll Sea #225Alamitos Bay, CA