Pedestal Wheel Lock on 1999 H280?

[Occasional Heeler]

My old H25 had a center hub wheel lock which I really liked. Just got a new (used) H280 and there’s no wheel lock. Anyone know how to go about installing/retrofitting one? It’s the only thing bugging me about this new boat.

 

[dlochner]

Your best best would be calling Edson. They have good tech support.

It looks like you have the Vision II Pedestal. The drawings show the shaft lock integrated with the shaft.

https://edsonmarine.com/content/EB-500-18%20476%20Vision%20II%20Pedestal%20%28476B-211T%29.pdf

 

[jssailem]

I’d start by identifying the helm gear manufacturer. Look at the options for your specific model and see if they have wheel or gear break depending on your make and model.

 

[Tally Ho]

I owned a 1996 H280 a while back….I don’t really remember a wheel lock. I had an Auto Pilot, so would usually use that.

Greg

 

[Occasional Heeler]

Thanks! Gonna ring up Edson and explore options.

 

[Panera]

My 280 came with a custom made wheel lock. Simple design and very effective.

See picture below

 

[Occasional Heeler]

Nice design! Sure looks cheaper and easier than buying and installing a new Edson pedestal shaft. Do you like the way it works?

 

[Stu Jackson]

wheel lock which I really liked... ..It’s the only thing bugging me about this new boat. .

Why? This is a serious question. I've owned my boat for 25 years and have used the wheel lock once while the boat was moving. I found it much more useful to balance sails. I also have an ST3000 ancient belt drive AP. Please help me understand the use of a wheel lock.

 

[Panera]

Simple design and works great.

Before I had autopilot, I used the wheel lock when raising sails, leaving the wheel to adjust sails. And always when at anchor or mooring to keep the rudder straight. Clearly, looking at the picture from "Occasional Heeler" he does not have an autopilot.

 

[matts997]

As an alternative, I would strongly consider an autopilot, if at all possible. I just sold my H280 and for awhile my autopilot wasn’t working (bad fuse) and I was forced to use only its wheel lock function to raise the main sail when sailing solo. The lock alone was mostly ineffective...frustraing. The boat of course would keep moving out of the wind, I'd then have to release the lock to readjust, etc. Almost easier with the lock off.

 

[Occasional Heeler]

Nope -- no autopilot on this one and thanks for info. Agree with the boat going off-course while solo and not at the helm.

 

[matts997]

Looks like you sail in a lake--a wheel lock might work better there than it did for me in Puget Sound, where there are many currents and the winds can change direction in a heartbeat.

 

[Occasional Heeler]

Correct on lake sailing. The wheel lock made going out solo much more manageable. Could even lock in a tack for a while under certain favorable conditions..