Catalina 30 steering failure

[Dave Barker]

Help! I have a 1978 Catalina 30 with steering issues! This past weekend my steering connector arm between the rudder connector and the gear assembly bent then snapped and tore a hole through the quarter berth wall into the sail locker. I had to go below under (out of control sail) to disassebmle what was left in order to make the emergency runner useable as the arm also jammed the rudder.

My question is: Where do I get parts? This doesn't look like anything I've seen on Edson's site. The gearbox is about 24" long and the gear is flat with teeth along its length then a control arm exiting its aft end with a yoke that attaches to an eye in the rudder arm. I appreciate any help anyone can offer!

 

[Joe]

Try Catalinayachts.com the phone number is at bottom of the page. All Catalina sailboats are supported by the company.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

It would be nice if you could identify what type of steering you have. Your explanation doesn't help me. Is it rack and pinion? Do you have a quadrant or a radial with cable/chain drive system? Is what you are trying to explain a reversing box or perhaps some sort of idler wheels? Take a picture with your phone and attach it to this forum so we can get a better idea what you have.

 

[Dave Barker]

the system uses a horizontal flat gear that is like a ladder. when the wheel is turned one direction a chain turns a sprocket with straight teeth that either push the flat gear forward causing the rudder to turn one direction then, when turning the wheel the opposite direction it pushes the gear back or aft and causes the rudder to turn the opposite direction. I do not believe the assembly is Edson as it has no brand identification anywhere. The hull number is 989 and she's a '78 model if this helps anybody. I'll attach photos hopefully tonight.

 

[Joe]

the system uses a horizontal flat gear that is like a ladder. when the wheel is turned one direction a chain turns a sprocket with straight teeth that either push the flat gear forward causing the rudder to turn one direction then, when turning the wheel the opposite direction it pushes the gear back or aft and causes the rudder to turn the opposite direction. I do not believe the assembly is Edson as it has no brand identification anywhere. The hull number is 989 and she's a '78 model if this helps anybody. I'll attach photos hopefully tonight.

Again........ call customer service at Catalina Yachts and take the guess work out of your inquiry. They will have drawings and specs for your model, maybe even parts, or at least a source for parts..... You might also try the Catalina 30 owner's website.


http://www.catalina30.com/

Catalina Yachts • 21200 Victory Boulevard • Woodland Hills, California 91367 • Phone 818 884-7700

Catalina Yachts Florida • 7200 Bryan Dairy Rd • Largo, FL 33777 • Phone 727-544-6681

 

[Dave Barker]

I found out that the steering mechanism is a Don Allen model. Don Allen went out of business in the 1980's so parts are scarce. Anybody out there know of any salvage C30's? Anybody willing to take good photos of the arm that comes out of the back of the steering gear mechanism to indicate if the arm is supposed to have a bend in it or should it be straight?

 

[Dave Barker]

Catalina 30 steering failure...more info...HELP!!!

I found out that the steering mechanism is a Don Allen model. Don Allen went out of business in the 1980's so parts are scarce. Anybody out there know of any salvage C30's? Anybody willing to take good photos of the arm that comes out of the back of the steering gear mechanism to indicate if the arm is supposed to have a bend in it or should it be straight?

 

[anchorclanker]

Some pics would help. Perhaps what you have can be repaired and rebuilt, perhaps as good or better than new.