Removing binnacle

[camaluna]

I am looking at a 1981 Cat 30 with a wheel/binnacle, but I want to remove it to convert it to a hand tiller (they are hard to come by). The only thread I read on this forum (from 2003) about removing the binnacle said that it is common for the bolts to seize because they are stainless and the binnacle base is aluminum.

Though I'd like to remove it, I don't want to ruin it (he said he had to cut the binnacle off to get at the bolts with a tool that would work). It's in excellent shape and could be sold or stored until such time as someone might want to re-install it.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thank you in advance.

 

[jrowan]

If U haven't purchased the boat yet, why not hold out for a an original tiller steered model? You're probably paying more than U need to for a wheel version. The tiller & aft traveller models are the least expensive type, as most of us want these type of upgrades. It always amazes me when people actually want to fight that tiller all day. I had a C 22 & C 25 with tillers, and the weather helm over 15 knots would just about break your arm after a few hours of fighting that stick. Not much fun, but to the purists out there, to each there own...

 

[Stu Jackson]

The bolts go through the deck, right? Cut the bolts off from below, instead of cutting the pedestal base off above.

 

[All U Get]

Try a nutbreaker, here's a link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-pc...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item1c1885c2fe
All U Get

 

[Calif. Ted]

Why don't you try one with a wheel to see if it's worth cutting the binnacle off so you can steer with a stick?