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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Steering Wheel ??

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Grego5
1st Mate

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USA
73 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/23/2005 : 20:26:15

Does anyone have issues getting around the steering wheel. I have problems getting from behind the wheel to tend to my sails or do anything else. Has anyone thought of substituteing the 24" wheel with an 18" - 20" or possibly smaller wheel. What woudl the pros and cons of doing it?

Greg Perkins
C-250 WK #668

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2005 : 21:37:13

Greg,

This is one reason why I went with the tiller. I'm not overly large (5'9', 180#), but there just didn't seem to be enough room for a wheel in the 250 cockpit.

The smaller wheel will make getting forward easier. The obvious drawback will be reduced leverage in turning/controlling the rudder in strong seas or with a lot of weather helm.

IMHO, if you or your "designated driver" have average upper body & arm strength there shouldn't be a problem with the 18-20" wheel you are considering. Otherwise, I can't recommend downsizing.

I would strongly suggest checking around to borrow a smaller wheel so you can "test drive" it on your boat before buying one.

Good luck!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2005 : 23:13:27

Greg, we've not heard and reports over the years of any one downsizing. Mark Melchoir upsized in part because he fell into a larger wheel I think but he liked the larger wheel compared to the stock wheel. I'm with Jeff on this one, borrow one and try it before you invest.

The steering ratio on the 250 with its large rudder is inadequate to start with and to give away size on the wheel would be to accenuate the poor gearing.

A prime advantage of the wheel is to gain leverage and make helming less effortless. It could be that with an open wire steering conversion (it doubles the gearing as well as eliminates drag) that a smaller wheel would work but I'm doubtful about doing so with the Edson flexible cables.

Edited by - on

GREGG
Deckhand

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7 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2005 : 23:25:22

Greg,
We don't find it to tough to get around the wheel, though we are not big people. However, except in the strongest winds, when sailing, I seldom stand or sit behind the wheel prefering to sit to the side.

Gregg
c-250 wk #761

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2005 : 19:31:15

Greg,

I have the 24" wheel, and I wouldn't consider going any smaller. I think you'd lose too much leverage (more effort to steer) and lose some fine control. But, yes, it is a pain squeezing between the wheel and the backstay, my belt type PFD is always catching on the backstay. That's why I'm going to move my backstays outboard to the stern seats, and split them up to, or close to, the masthead. At least it's on my list of things to do (along with replacing those ankle-biting locker latches,,,)! And don't forget, you can easily remove the wheel when you're not underway and have plenty of room to get by.

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MarkTM
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2005 : 22:05:20

Greg,

Arlyn is correct . . . I found a 30" Edson Destroyer wheel on ebay a few years ago for $50. This wheel was basically NEW; the owner had even saved the original packaging. The owner sold his 30' Hunter and didn't want the larger wheel to go with it. He re-installed his original 24" wheel before selling the boat and sold the larger wheel to me. I suspect he may have thought the wheel would sell for more on eBay. Yes, the old days on eBay were pretty good

.

Anyway, I'm a big guy . . . just ask Arlyn. He was too kind to mention it. I use a quick release knob and the wheel is stowed on the pedestal hanger when the boat is at anchor or in the slip. Even with the wheel mounted, I'm ok getting around it.

The larger wheel sure makes it easy to helm from the coaming. And, it looks GREAT on the boat. The 24" was too small for me. Each to his own.

Edited by - on

Grego5
1st Mate

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USA
73 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2005 : 22:17:13

Thanks for the input. Size and shape have a lot to do with getting behind the wheel. Per my Dr I'm larger than I should be, but smaller than others. I like being behind the wheel entering and leaving my slip (all controls are on the binnacle) or when I have help on board. If I'm single handing I normally sit on either side to handle the sails and steer. I find it a bit difficult to move from behind the wheel during some of the hectic times and was looking for a work around.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2005 : 00:57:12

Hey Mark,

Good to see ya... Hope all is well on your end.

Looks like we have a wedding to attend in Austin during August...

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MarkTM
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2005 : 17:29:57

Look me up when you make it to Austin! Although I don't visit the messageboard as often as I once did, I still lurk from time to time. I'll touch base with you soon.

Mark

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.