Greetings,
Does anyone have any thoughts on reducing the size of the wheel on a Catalina 36? I have a 1993 Mark "1.5". The size of the wheel makes it very difficult to leave the helm for sail adjustments or other work on the foredeck. This can be a significant issue when single-handing. Thanks!
Mike,
Two mechanical considerations: Turning speed: the small the wheel, the faster the turning speed. Only in hard emergency turns is that important, however, forethought may be more important.
Mechanical advantage: The smaller the wheel, less advantage. If you have a 40" wheel then: 30" is 25% less advantaged, 36" wheel is 10% less and the 42" wheel is 5% more.
Last considerations are outboard steering: the larger the wheel, the easy to sit outboard and watch for tariff and sail trim. Finally, briefly setting the auto pilot can help with your trim concerns.
You choice, good luck.
Lou Bruska
Sojourn
1985 C-36 Mk-I TR #495
Eldean Shipyard
Lake Macatawa (Holland, MI) Lake Michigan
Rallyback@comcast.net
Allgoodpoints. Thanks!