Hunter 260 Wheel jammed! Help please!

[MarkChandler]

I jammed the wheel last weekend on heavy winds. I was able to put the cables back on the pulley blocks under the seat (thinking that was the only problem). However, it wasn't the only problem. Something is going on in the Edson pedestal....I took the top off and the chain can be easily lifted from the rack.....it looks like the cable is off to one side farther down and I can only turn the wheel a short distance.
Does anyone know how to fix the cable inside the pedestal. Any "watch outs" ? Do I have to take the pedestal off the deck?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark _)

 

[Kermit]

Have you tried calling Edson? Let us know what you find out. Sounds like it could happen to any of us. Good luck!

 

[MarkChandler]

Thanks my friend. Not yet....was trying to figure it out myself 1st. Thanks for the idea! I'll post when I get it fixed.
How was Watterie last weekend? I have sailed in bigger winds than Murray had last weekend but did notice some slack in the steering...looking back I should have tightened it so that probably contributed.

 

[Regular Guy]

Mark,
Here what I believe is happen to you: When the cables do not have enough tension they can jump off the pulleys and can get jammed under the pedestal. Picture 1 shows how it looked from underneath on my 2005 H260 after drilling the access hole.
In my case all pulleys were sized. I had to put that access hole to get too it, even removed the pedestal to dissemble the rollers and make them running smoothly again. As I reinstalled the cables one got off the roll track and jammed. And as more I pulled as more badly it got jammed.

I believe you have to drill an access hole to reach in and solve the jam.
See my thread “Pedestal Guard Installation”, under Smaller Boats http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=159592&highlight=Pedestal+Guard
It will tell you how to cut the access hole and with what tool. Yes, there is some work in front of you but you will be glad to have a better control over the steering mechanism. Good luck,
Hart

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Mark;

send me an email to davecondon@mindspring and I will walk you thru sir as I have encounter that on occasion as a dealer and of course knowledge and experience. Include phone number.

Kermit;

Give me a call to set up date in June to come and help you with launcing. Maybe Mark might want to come and the fellow from Atlanta. I am back and now construction is under way at the mountain home. One day you will need to come and enjoy the mountains; otherwise, I will send my rubber ducky flotilla to block your sailing path.