Loose spokes on wheel

[daviddp]

We had a survey done on a Catalina 350 Monday. The pedestal is a factory installed Edson and I assume the wheel is original to the boat, 2004. I asked about "flexing" in the 36" wheel fore and aft when you are behind the helm holding it at 2 and 10 o'clock and moving it fore and aft. It's not a huge amount of movement, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 inch but .... The Surveyor also noticed it and suggested further investigation. The broker suggested that there may be "set screws inside the hub that may need to be tightened" I am thinking broken welds. We take possession this weekend and I am seriously considering a Lwemar folding wheel which I think will solve the problem, I can have it via Amazon early next week before a long Lake trip. Has anyone else found broken welds @ the spoke hub connection? If so can it get worse suddenly making for an "exciting adventure" if it were to come apart in my hands in a seaway?

 

[BigEasy]

Probably an easy fix. The nut that secures the hub to the pedestal shaft is
likely loose. You may have to remove a plate to access that nut. I would attempt to repair before ordering the new wheel.......unless you definitely are set on the folding wheel. Congratulations on the purchase of the new boat. Have a friend who recently sold his 350; very nice boat for cruising.

 

[daviddp]

Probably an easy fix. The nut that secures the hub to the pedestal shaft is
likely loose. You may have to remove a plate to access that nut. I would attempt to repair before ordering the new wheel.......unless you definitely are set on the folding wheel. Congratulations on the purchase of the new boat. Have a friend who recently sold his 350; very nice boat for cruising.

We ran out of time, during the survey, I wish I had removed the wheel and did a closer inspection of the hub. That will be my first project when we go back up to the boat this weekend. I now have an excuse to get the folding wheel that my wife will say we don't need. "honey the old one is worn out and broken"

 

[BigEasy]

. I now have an excuse to get the folding wheel that my wife will say we don't need. "honey the old one is worn out and broken"

On second thought, you’re correct, that wheel is worn out and needs to be replaced! Better order the new folding wheel ASAP!!

 

[daviddp]

On second thought, you’re correct, that wheel is worn out and needs to be replaced! Better order the new folding wheel ASAP!!

This is why I love Louisiana. precise, pragmatic and profound advice.

 

[dlochner]

Something is not right. A new wheel is not cheap, time to talk to the broker and a price adjustment for the wheel.

The wheel should not flex that much, if it was sliding because of a loose nut you would see it sliding on the shaft.

Are you working with Mike at RCR?

 

[jssailem]

Exciting times David. Congrats on the new boat.

Needing to get the girl some bling as you bring her home is like the need to buy new curtains and furniture when you move into a new house.

A folding wheel is a way of easing the passage for your wife to board the boat. It is a practical addition. And the old one is of course broken.

Fair winds and best of luck with the new wheel, I mean boat.

 

[daviddp]

Exciting times David. Congrats on the new boat.

Needing to get the girl some bling as you bring her home is like the need to buy new curtains and furniture when you move into a new house.

A folding wheel is a way of easing the passage for your wife to board the boat. It is a practical addition. And the old one is of course broken.

Fair winds and best of luck with the new wheel, I mean boat.

I am thinking my approach is all wrong. You are correct! I need to get "the girl" my wife some bling to ease the transition to the new wheel. I'm going to try new earings today with the old " honey look what I bought you " before she gets wind of the purchase of the wheel.

 

[jssailem]

OK... It might work. Just do not let her see these messages.... It most surly would backfire.
Good luck... Mums the word. Loose lips sink ships...

 

[tfox2069]

You're BOTH going to love the folding wheel that will replace that worn out and probably UNSAFE old relic currently in place to steer the boat . May as well break out the emergency tiller rather than use that rattletrap of a wheel! You do know where that is, right?