Cat 30 Edson question.

HyperJoe · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006

I just got a 1979 30 cat with wheel. How do I use the tension knob? Is it for heavy weather helm?

thanks ;-)

duffer1960 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006

It's just to hold your wheel temporarily so you can grab a brew or use your binoculars to check out the crew on the next boat. Kinda like a poor mans auto-pilot; a VERY poor man.

SailinJay · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006

I have a 350 and all I use the knob for is to lock the rudder when I am in my slip.

HyperJoe · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006

THanks. So I should not tighten it to reduce sway on a close haul? Is it just for locking or was the design for reducing play in the wheel depending on weather?

SailinJay · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006

I don't think it's a good idea to use this to lock the wheel while sailing. Even an autopilot allows for a bit of swing in the rudder. I'll leave it to the technical experts to articulate a more detailed response, but I don't think you want to eliminate play in either the wheel or the rudder, especially in heavier air. You need to be in control of the boat, be ready to adjust to the extant conditions, and be prepared to quickly fall off or head up.

gpd955 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006

with Sailinjay. In addition to control of the boat, it is much easier to feel the boat when underway. I, too, have a '79 Catalina 30 and basically use mine when in my slip and if I have to go onto the cabin and raise/lower the mainsail when singlehanding and I am either too lazy to set the auto pilot or I forgot to turn it on!!

Jack Manning
S/V Victim of Fate
Atlantic City, NJ

HyperJoe · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006

Thanks to all. ;-)

duffer1960 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006

It is definitely NOT for reducing play. All it does is tighten a clamp around the shaft the wheel is attached to to stop rotation/lock the wheel.

HyperJoe · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2006

It appears that I was correct. This IS a way to reduce play in the wheel. I knew the design did not make sense as others have refuted. IF they wanted it to simply lock, they would have made a clamp not a scew. Go to Brake Installation & Maintenance (#689)

http://www.edsonmarine.com/techsupport/techform.htm

duffer1960 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2006

The diagram actually shows how this DOES NOT reduce play in the wheel, but is just a brake. If the steering chain/cable assembly is loose causing play in the steering, once this brake is tightened, there will still be play in the system. As you can see, the brake clamps around the shaft of the steering wheel just making it harder to turn. If you tighten it enough, the wheel will be locked.
Think of it this way: You have an old car that has lots of play in the steering; you cant hold a straight line and it likes to follow any cracks in the road and wander from side to side. Now, somehow, you are able to solidly lock the steering wheel in a position straight ahead. But, the car still wanders along the road from side to side and won't go in a straight line because of the play in the steering system.
This is the same as applying the steering brake on the Edson wheel. Even though the wheel is locked, the system play is still there.