2005 C-36 MkII -- anyone have any advice for changing the 40" Edson 5-spoke wheel with Raymarine ST4000+ to a 40" Lewmar folding wheel with 6-spokes?
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Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Hi DWarren....
I did exactly that last spring. The wheel is no problem.... the wheel has a tapered hole for the Lewmar style tapered shaft but it comes with an adapter that bolts on very easily
The problem is the ST4000. Your old wheel has 3/8 sokes and the folding has 1/2 inch. You can buy the replacement clips that hold the auto helm unit to the wheel from Defender (Ray Marine does not stock parts for the old "black" auto helm, which I believe yours is) but Defender sells them in packages of 3/8, 1/2 & 3/4 inch clips for $20 a package. You'll need to buy three packages, use one clip from each & throw the others out.
Not a problem really, just b..ching, what's and extra $40 when your spending about $800 for a wheel.
Don't know where you are or where you shop but I found the best price if you wait for Defenders spring sale.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Thanks Chuck...will definitely put those replacement clips on my Defender Warehouse Sale list for next spring....Purchased the Lewmar wheel at the Annapolis Boat Show but haven't received it as yet...at first look it dawned on me that the Lewmar wheel has 6 spokes while the Edson wheel only has 5 spokes. On the old wheel the Autohelm attachments form a 'triangle' with the top attachment (top of the 'triangle') on a spoke which points straight up and indicates the rudder is in line. My Autohelm is light grey in color if that helps at all. I'm wondering if my Autohelm will need to be disconnected so the wheel unit is aligned with new wheel?
Thanks so much for your help -- Dave
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Dave....The spokes of the wheel do not line up straight up and down as with the original wheel but it still works out just fine.
Since your clips are grey, you have the newer model of autohelm and Ray Marine still supports that model so I'd check with them... you might be able to just buy the 3 1/2" clips and not have to buy the 3 packages from Defender.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Again, Chuck, great advice....thank you and I'll be calling Raymarine as soon as the new wheel arrives. BTW - was your wheel also 40"?
Dave
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
It was. Friend just sold it on EBay for me.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ