My boat (an early 1984 mk1 number 178) has the so called push pull cable guide steering instead of the more recent wire steering which runs around pulleys below the pedestal before going to the rudder post quadrant. I think the change was made soon after 1984. On my boat, instead of pulleys for the steering wires, they go through spacer guide tubes which bend the steering wires through 90 degrees before they go aft to the quadrant. This system was used on other smaller Catalinas.
My question is whether there is a strength/structural improvement with the newer pulley based system or whether it was just all about friction and ease of turning the steering wheel. I have contacted Catalina for an answer but have received no response. I am interested in any opinions based on this matter. I have already suffered steering loss at sea on my boat which turned out to be caused by a bad repair job by a previous owner. Thanks for any considered responses. My own thoughts are the pulleys will be more durable and less friction, but not necessarily any stronger.
Duncan McNeill
1984 Catalina 36 #178
standard rig fin keel M25
Channel Islands
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
I am intrigued as to why they changed to using idlers. There must have been a reason. On my boat one of the 4 fittings attached to the ends of the spacer guide tubes which turn the cables through 90 degrees had been replaced with a jury rigged piece made from 2 plumbing fittings. It failed at a very inopportune moment causing a total loss of steering as I was passing the breakwater entrance to my harbor in 25 knots. It was a miracle I never lost the boat, all because of a previous repair not using the correct $40 replacement fitting. It was one of the brackets fitted just under the pedestal and although I had inspected that area visually it escaped my attention. Very awkward to get a clear view without dissassembly.
I am going to change to a new Lewmar pedestal with engine control panel on the pedestal and which uses idlers in the steering arrangement, but I would like to know why Catalina made the change to using idlers. They must have had a reason.
Duncan McNeill
1984 Catalina 36 #178
standard rig fin keel M25
Channel Islands
I have same vintage; hull #222. Lost steering ~300 miles off shore, main bracket attached to rear bulkhead snapped in half. Emergency steering is a sad backup (all another story). Main point being that this steering setup was a faulty design and never should have been installed on a 36 sailboat. Early in the game (~1983) Catalina realized this error and sent out a technical note describing a knee bracket fix designed to beef up this wonky arrangement. Problem being that under steering stress the flimsy wooden bulkhead (mine was ~1/4" plywood and very poorly tabbed to the hull) to which the steerting bracket is attached will flex thusly relulting in the bracket itself trying to flex. The bracket is a cast a product and thus has no ability to flex at all so it snaps in half...with an explosive boom...and ther goes your steering! The bracket was made by Edison but I believe it is no longer in production...I think I bought their last one...actulally I bought two...extra one as a spare if this madness ever strikes again! I completely rebuilt the rear bulkhead and had the it professionall tabbed to the hull as CY should have done initially. FYI, a sailing buddy has a 1987 Catalina 30 w/ this identical steering setup except for the fact that the rear bulkhead to which the steering bracket is attached is ~3/4" thick and is properly tabbed to the hull.
Arnold Rowe
Catalina 36, 1984, Hull #222
Long Beach, CA
Duncan-
It was probably Edson that made the change.
I'm guessing that cable guides might be more prone to cable wear and friction than idler pullies- especially if not oiled/greased anuually.
I too lost my steering cable. It broke on our old C30. At the time I wasn't aware that it should be inspected and lubricated annually. I first noticed that there was play in the wheel- I could turn it freely in either direction a few degrees before it engaged the rudder. I should have inspected it when I noticed the change; the individual cable strands were breaking, allowing the cable to stretch and reduce tension. It broke entirely just after exiting the jetties in a crowded river channel. When steering gear fails- it will always happen at the worst time- when underway, not at the dock. From that point on, I inspect and lube the cable annually.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
FYI, attached is a copy of this initial (and only one I am aware of) recall notice by CY. I was not aware of this when we purchased out boat in 1994. When I learned of this years later I called CY requesting a steering bracket kit but was told they were all out!
Arnold Rowe
Catalina 36, 1984, Hull #222
Long Beach, CA