Hello all,
So I dove into the suggested annual maintenance of checking, cleaning and lubing on the Edson steering system and pedestal on our still new to us 1994 C36 MK 1.5. I know the PO replaced the entire chain and cable assembly at least once, and maybe twice.
In general, things looked good and clean when I got into the binnacle, especially for a nearly 30 year old boat. Steering, which was good before, is now silky smooth after some fresh lube. But I did see one thing inside the pedestal that I'm wondering about. In several of the chain links, there was a straight line across the roller. Since I noticed it on so many (at least 8) and they appeared uniform and straight, I am wondering if it is a manufactured seam or a crack and sign of wear, pics below.
Has anyone noticed anything like this on a new chain? I'm a firm believer in fixing what's broken, and leaving be what's not while conducting regular preventative maintenance. I'd love to hear what others who have replaced their chain and cables think. Thanks in advance.
Joe Bousquin, San Francisco Bay
Sausalito Yacht Harbor
SV "Sylbo"
1994 Catalina 36 Mk 1.5, hull number 1337
M35A(C)
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I would suspect they are stress cracks, especially if only a few rollers display it. Are they found mostly at the top/middle of the chain? Those rollers would likely see most of the gear contact and action. I'm guessing the rollers get repeatedly and slightly squeezed as they travel between the gear teeth and this maybe lead to fatigue/stress cracks.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Thanks, Paul, I actually found the answer looking at this tutorial: https://youtu.be/SqYSXfKaWro.
If you watch the video of this brand new chain, you'll see several seams pass over the top of the sprocket, just like the do on my boat. I've attached a few screenshots where you can see the seams near the 12 o'clock or 1 o'clock position.
I also reached out to Edson and they confirmed that prior to 2018-19, the chain rollers had seams on them. They changed suppliers after that, and the current, new chains do not have the seams. All of my components looked like they are still in really good shape, and steering is now baby smooth, so I think I'll wait another season or two before replacing them. It is good to know what I was looking at was the design and not a failure in the chain itself.
Joe Bousquin, San Francisco Bay
Sausalito Yacht Harbor
SV "Sylbo"
1994 Catalina 36 Mk 1.5, hull number 1337
M35A(C)
Good to know they are not stress cracks! Thanks for the deeper investigation!
I have had one steering cable fail.(on a C-30) The chain was fine. The cable broke where it attached to the quadrant. My conclusion was that the cable had too little tension which allowed for flex and fatigue. Since then, I check the cable tension and oil it every year/ grease the chain. Out of curiosity, I'll take a look at the chain rollers this year.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Paul, Interesting it was your wire that broke. When I spoke to Edson, they said that it was the chain that failed more often, but not by much.
The nice thing about access on the two cabin model of the C36 is that everything is pretty visible once you take the quadrant cover off in the rear berth. So that does encourage annual inspection and maintenance.
Though I wouldn't say access is as good for actually changing the cable itself.
I'm curious for anyone who's done that job, are there any tricks to making access easier? I thought about taking the rear lazarette lid off its hinges, as mine hits the split backstay when you open it so it doesn't give you full access to go down into it.
I suppose I could hang the Admiral by her ankles and get the job done, but possibly at an ultimately much higher price than actually paying the boatyard for the same.
Joe Bousquin, San Francisco Bay
Sausalito Yacht Harbor
SV "Sylbo"
1994 Catalina 36 Mk 1.5, hull number 1337
M35A(C)
There is no good way to get down into that rear lazarette on our particular MK1.5 models. I had to replace the bilge discharge thru-hull this year. I took the lid off of the lazarette, but even then I wouldn't go down there for fear of becoming permanently entombed. I enlisted a much younger and skinnier helper to go down head-first to do all of the dirty work. Not a fun day. Also found out that my propane locker vent hose (also down in the pit of despair down there) was completely rotted, so add that to the list now...
Don Lincoln
"Nancy Lynn"
1993 Catalina MK1.5, Hull 1238
LaSalle, MI (Lake Erie)
Universal M-35AC
When a few years ago I replaced the chain, steering cables, and brake pads, the tech department was extremely helpful, as was the web site. I often found myself talking to the owner who also is a Catalina 36 owner. Terrific support.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL