[C320-list] Edson Steering Query

[agtrainer at comcast.net]

Good morning,

I just saw this thread and thought I would ask a related question about approaches to steering system maintenance.   When doing our routine pre-splash inspection, we have discovered that the 4 saddle clamps connecting the steering cables to the eye bolts are rusty and need replacement (the cable looks fine and has been properly lubricated).   We suspect that the previous owner may have replaced the Edson stainless steel clamps with a set of cheaper, galvanized steel clamps, hence their poor condition.   

The available space to swap out the clamps is quite limited.   Another 320 owner in our yard said that he dropped the rudder and removed it (while in the yard) in order to replace the prop shaft and that gave him plenty of room to replace the clamps on his boat.   As an aside, I mentioned that we had replaced our powertrain (new SS shaft, new cutless bearing, PPS maintenance kit, and new coupling using the C320 Assn's toolbox from Bruce Stumpp and using Jeff Hares' technique to slide the old shaft out and the new one back in without removing the rudder.  He was shocked and incredulous!  {Thanks, Jeff.  Thanks, Bruce.)   Anyway, we are in the water already, and I'd like to know if anyone has removed the quadrant bolt and slid the quadrant down a bit to facilitate the clamp change.   Any advice would be appreciated.


Thanks,

~ Asa Trainer
S/V About Time II, 1999 #565

-----Original Message-----
From: mike at softscrap.com <mike at softscrap.com> 
Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2023 1:28 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Edson Steering Query

I have 1999 #621 and had the exact same issue after I replaced the steering cables and rebuilt the brake.  After checking everything and getting frustrated I discovered that the vibration was caused by the wheel rubbing on the bottom of the instrument case.  When I replaced the sprocket I failed to install one snap ring, the outer most ring which keeps the wheel in place. So when I tightened the wheel nut it moved the wheel in too far.  I got another snap ring from Edson, installed it and the rubbing went away.  

Hope this helps

Mike Shetter
Plymouth #621

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Dennis Cookson via C320-list
Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2023 12:21 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: Dennis Cookson <dennis at cooksons.net>
Subject: [C320-list] Edson Steering Query

At rest in the water, I can turn the helm wheel in either direction quite smoothly. But when sailing, with pressure on the rudder, and tension in the steering cable assembly, I encounter some mild resistance when turning to starboard, but not when turning to port. It’s a kind of mild vibration that doesn’t prevent the wheel from turning, but doesn’t feel correct and I would like to eliminate it.

I replaced my original steering chain and cables with a new assembly from Edson a couple of years ago, and I’m confident that the chain and sprocket are turning smoothly. So I assume this has to be related to the sheaves in the aft cabin under the pedestal, the radial on the rudder post, or the rudder itself. A visual inspection shows nothing untoward, so my next step will be to monitor the moving parts below with someone else at the helm.

Has any 320 owner encountered this issue? Any advice would be most welcome.

Dennis Cookson
Catalina, #577, 1999

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