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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Arlyn’s steering conversion

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cwstrang
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/16/2010 : 12:28:15

I just received my conversion kit from Arlyn and am looking for a nice sunny day to start the project. I was looking for helpful tips and/or pitfalls from those of you who have installed this conversion. Thanks, Craig

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2010 : 16:01:17

The kit is well done and the assembly is straight forward. A few things to remember:

1-Use a file to smooth any cuts or surfaces that have burs on them such as the slot in the steering arm. I also had to file the pulley mechanism that is mounted below the pedestal in order for the pulleys to fit right.

2-When you attach the wire to the steering chain be sure to orient the "loose" ends of the wires to the outside.

3-Make sure the rudder is dead centered when you mount the chain to the pedestal gear.

4-Be very attentive to the step where you use a pencil to mark where the first hole will be drilled for mounting the bar that holds the main pulleys. This is an important item.

5-For the pulley assembly that goes below the pedestal, carve/drill away slowly at the ceiling so that you don't remove too much material. You want a tight fit.

6-Make sure the steering arm extension is level with the wire assembly. My steering arm came in the transom at an angle and I needed to shimmy the aluminum extension with washers.

7-Get the wire tight.

It is a great upgrade.

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cwstrang
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2010 : 09:38:23

Randy...thanks for the tips!! By the way Boise State Alum here! Craig

Edited by - cwstrang on 03/17/2010 09:39:14

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2010 : 12:42:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by cwstrang
 Randy...thanks for the tips!! By the way Boise State Alum here! Craig
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Then I take back the tips. Or, better yet, I could punch you on the chin.

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2010 : 16:01:21

Good luck with the kit. It goes together nicely. It took me two, half-days to complete the work. The tensioning mechanism is slick. Be sure you understand it before you start drilling holes. Make sure you align the outer blocks with the tensioning mechanism. If they enter or exit the sheaves with any angle at all, then at the end of the throw they'll "groan" as the cable makes contact with the walls of the sheave. Arlyn includes a bunch of extra washers to stack atop each other to level the mechanism.

I've done many upgrades to Windsong. Dollar for dollar, this was the best.

Edited by - windsong on 03/17/2010 16:02:07

cwstrang
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2010 : 10:22:50

Michael..
Thanks, 2.5 days is much longer than the 4-6 hours Arlyn suggested; were you working alone? I think with this conversion and using the soft link my slip neighbors won't cringe when they see me trying to leave and return to my slip. Craig

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2010 : 10:32:19

I think he meant "two half days", not "two & a half days".

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2010 : 11:29:06

Yes, I meant about 8 hours. Sorry for the awkward wording.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2010 : 04:10:29

As posted a year ago, thought had been given whether to continue to make the kits available. About five kits were on hand then and the last on hand materials were used in the kit to Craig.

A week later another request, so materials (two sizes of C-channel and stainless steel roller chain) were ordered for another dozen kits and aluminum plate were acquired locally so kits are/will be available.

btw, about sixty conversions have been installed on C250s and several have been fitted to other boats. It has been a personally gratifying project.

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 05:22:06

Arlyn, Please contact me at:
michaelh@webhenmedia.com
I have a question about my steering conversion kit.
Thanks!

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cwstrang
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2010 : 04:11:53

All: I completed my steering conversion this past weekend with help from a friend we were done in about 9 hours. I haven't tested it under sail but it looks and feel solid.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.