Has anyone installed a Lewmar 40-inch or 42-inch six-spoke folding steering wheel on a Catalina 36 Mk II with an Autohelm ST4000+ autopilot? I am wondering if there are any clearance issues between the two folding spoke hand grips (that lock the folding spokes straight) and the factory engine instrument pod (which is already fairly close to the present wheel spokes) and if the ST4000+ autopilot wheel drive, (bolted to three spokes) interferes with the two folding spokes on the new wheel. I was also told that going from the standard 40-inch wheel to the 42-inch wheel may make steering easier when sitting off to one side or the other. Any advice would sure be appreciated.
Bayport Cruising
2005, C36, MK II, Hull #2221
Furling Main, Wing Keel
We've had one for several years and I'm glad we do. I found no issues with the autopilot drive; the wheel is slightly dished compared to the stock one, and I think that improves clearance, though I can't swear to it. I do believe the larger diameter makes it easier to steer from the coaming. I kept the old wheel, but should probably sell it as I can imagine ever using it again.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Thanks for the quick reply, I really appreciate the helpful advice. Do you have the 40-inch folding wheel or the 42-inch folding wheel?
Bayport Cruising
2005, C36, MK II, Hull #2221
Furling Main, Wing Keel
Not at the boat so can't be sure, but I know I went up in size from the stock wheel. If I get down to the boat this weekend I'll try to remember to measure.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Adding a Lewmar folding wheel was the very first improvement that I made our boat; in fact, I purchased it through Defender on one of their "scratch and dent" sales about five years ago. There was a very minor scratch on the bottom of the area that is bolted to the drive arm.
You will find that it frees us [B]so much room [/B]in the cockpit when at the dock.
As far as the size of the wheel, I will have to check when I stop by the boat later on this week and then will let you know.
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
We put the 42" folding wheel on Whispering Eye and we love it.
Marc Nachman
Whispering Eye
2004 Catalina 36 Mk II #2201
STRFM/WK/M35B
s/v Whispering Eye
2004 Catalina 36 Mk II #2201
SRFM/WK/M35b
St. Petersburg, FL
I believe that mine is also a 42" wheel. I will check.
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
Thanks everyone. Your advice is certainly much appreciated! I'm leaning toward the 42-inch wheel, but I'll wait to see if anyone has the chance to check their wheel diameter this week-end.
Bayport Cruising
2005, C36, MK II, Hull #2221
Furling Main, Wing Keel
I installed the 40 inch folding wheel 2 years ago and really like it. I now dock stern to, so the wheel makes getting on and off much easier. I don't see why a 42" wouldn't work, but lets see what the others say.
Stephen Kruse
Kruse Control #1428
1995 C-36 MKII SR/WK
Lake Lanier, Ga.