Steering Cable Adjustments

This weekend I noticed some play in the steering and it seemed to be harder turning. I dove under the boat and no obstructions there. I checked for obstructions in the steering mech. but no obstructions there either. There is a slight amount of slack in the steering cable. Does anyone know how to tighten the cable?

Thanks,

Joe Tamucci, Andante #61

Joe,

This from previous posts, hope it helps.

On the Catalina 320 cable tension is done at the take up eyes on the radial drive. On the radial drive (the aluminum disc on the rudder shaft) you will find that the wires are attached to an eyebolt which passes through the radial drive and is double nutted. Back off the locking nut and tighten the other nut drawing the take-up eye tighter. This should be done a little on each side alternately so as to keep the chain centered on the sprocket. After you check the tension don't forget to retighten the locking nut to prevent the take-up eye from loosening.

Checking tension. Set the wheel brake and go below to the radial drive. You should not have any movement in the radial, no play at all. To double check the cable tension. Have someone turn the wheel hard over and lean on it a bit. This will load one cable and the other will be loose (the lazy wire). Grab the lazy wire and see if you can knock it off the idler sheave (the pulley at the base of the pedestal) or the radial drive wheel. If you can shake it off snug the wires a bit more. If you can't shake it loose, go sailing.

I hope this is what you need.

Ed.

Edson Customer Service

Phone: 508-995-9711

Fax: 508-995-5021

Visit our website www.edsonintl.com

I also found the following document on the Edson site to be very useful for inspecting / maintaining the steering system:

http://www.edsonmarine.com/pdf/steeringinsp.pdf

This is a checklist of things to do, in a specific order, with part numbers attached to each step where you might find a problem. Print a copy and take it to the boat with you. It would be a great addition to the web site if Edson would give permission.

Rick , Echo #488

Steering Cable Tension

Has anyone had to adjust the steering cable on the 320. Our boat is 5 years old now and we have never made any adjustment to this cable assembly. Nothing seems loose but We felt it prudent to inspect, adjust and lubricate as required. Any advise would be appreciated.

Richard & Patricia Hicksted

Relentless #554

On the Catalina 320 cable tension is done at the take up eyes on the radial drive. On the radial drive (the aluminum disc on the rudder shaft) you will find that the wires are attached to an eyebolt which passes through the radial drive and is double nutted. Back off the locking nut and tighten the other nut drawing the take-up eye tighter. This should be done a little on each side alternately so as to keep the chain centered on the sprocket. After you check the tension don't forget to retighten the locking nut to prevent the take-up eye from loosening.

Checking tension. Set the wheel brake and go below to the radial drive. You should not have any movement in the radial, no play at all. To double check the cable tension. Have someone turn the wheel hard over and lean on it a bit. This will load one cable and the other will be loose (the lazy wire). Grab the lazy wire and see if you can knock it off the idler sheave (the pulley at the base of the pedestal) or the radial drive wheel. If you can shake it off snug the wires a bit more. If you can't shake it loose, go sailing.

I hope this is what you need.

Ed.

Edson Customer Service

Phone: 508-995-9711

Fax: 508-995-5021

Visit our website <www.edsonintl.com>