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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 Wheel steering
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whk1965
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/19/2019 :  09:29:03  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
On to my next problem, now that the boat is in the water I have to fix the steering. The wheel only turns about a quarter turn. I think it should turn at lest on revolution. Any suggestions. Thanks as always Bill

Bill Knowles

Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
833 Posts

Response Posted - 06/19/2019 :  15:45:23  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi Bill,

Can you tell how far the rudder moves?
Does the rudder turn to Port more than Starboard?

There is a lot of discussion on the C250 rudder and more on the wheel steering option.
You can use the Forum Search feature to see what solutions other people have found.
Early wheel steering used a single cable, usually called "push/pull".
Later models used two cables "pull/pull".
I would guess your steering cable/cables have rusted causing your wheel to not turn.

A former member created his own solution "Open Wire Steering", which I also installed.
Here are some forum posts with photos that might help identify your steering type.
Note, these posts are over 10-years old.

Open Wire Steering Conversion from push/pull cable (2008)
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=17937

Photo Gallery - Pull/Pull Conversion
https://www.catalina-capri-25s.net/cgi-local/MBR_gallery.cgi?Album+1000+144

Russ Johnson
2005 C250WB Hull 793
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whk1965
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2019 :  04:36:14  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks Russ I have a pull, pull. It turns more one than the other forgot which. It moves freely I think it is an adjustment issue. Will check out the gallery sure the answer is there.

Bill Knowles
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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2269 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2019 :  21:39:08  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by WK 727

...It has a finite range because of the cable connection and I had to reposition my chain on the sprocket to not hit the stop at the end of the chain for one of the directions...


Actually this sounds like a potential reason for the asymmetry in his steering. In rough conditions it is possible to jump a sprocket or three, throwing things off-center. It happened to me once (only one sprocket).

In addition resetting it, I cut a 1x3 piece of wood to insert between the two ends of the aluminum pull-pull bracket to stiffen it up. I was concerned that it could flex a little in rough conditions, loosening up the chain and allowing it to jump. The wood brace stopped that. I think I might have posted something on this a few years ago.

EDIT: Just found it - http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=26455

Rick S., Swarthmore, PA
PO of Take Five, 1998 Catalina 250WK #348 (relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor)
New owner of 2001 Catalina 34MkII #1535 Breakin' Away (at Rock Hall Landing Marina)

Edited by - TakeFive on 06/20/2019 21:43:01
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whk1965
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Response Posted - 06/21/2019 :  06:10:00  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Thanks everyone I am going to work on this today now that it finally has stopped raining. Just looking at it the cables seem very loose, and I did look inside and I think the cable was way offset when the rudder was centered. Will keep you posted.

Bill Knowles
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whk1965
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2019 :  08:06:29  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Here is what i found the pin through the steering arm is frozen, will get it out today and free it up and check for chain cable alignment in pedestal. Thanks to all for your help, We hope to be sailing soon. Bill Last Call #77

Bill Knowles
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