A
Arby
I bought a 1979 Catalina 27 this year and have been enjoying the added comfort and accomodations as compared to my previous Catalina 22. The boat is equiped with an Atomic 4 inboard and has wheel steering. Two weeks ago the steering failed while I was sailing in Lake St. Clair. I disengaged the steering cable and sailed in with the emergency tiller. There is only one cable/conduit coming from the wheel pedestal to the rudder so I believe it is a push/pull system. I located a stamping on the steering components that identified "Don Allen Inc" as the manufacturer. The only apparent damage to the steering system is that the conduit split. The wire cable (what I see from the conduit split) itself looks in decent shape.
I could not find any internet references to Don Allen Inc. I have been communicating with Edson Marine and they told me that Don Allen went out of business in the 1980s. I asked Edson if they had components compatible with what I have. They said I would have to replace everything but the wheel and then they quoted me $2000+ for their equipment. Thanks but no thanks! I've removed the pedestal and have ordered an H and L 45 inch tiller to replace the 20 inch emergency tiller. I'm also applying a temporary cover to the cockpit deck to cover the pedestal hole.
Popular opinion seems to be that tiller is better than wheel for the Cat 27. However I want to explore my options as to fixing the Don Allen system. If anyone can provided advice for removing the chain and conduit from the pedestal and replacement of the broken conduit, I would be grateful.
Arby
I could not find any internet references to Don Allen Inc. I have been communicating with Edson Marine and they told me that Don Allen went out of business in the 1980s. I asked Edson if they had components compatible with what I have. They said I would have to replace everything but the wheel and then they quoted me $2000+ for their equipment. Thanks but no thanks! I've removed the pedestal and have ordered an H and L 45 inch tiller to replace the 20 inch emergency tiller. I'm also applying a temporary cover to the cockpit deck to cover the pedestal hole.
Popular opinion seems to be that tiller is better than wheel for the Cat 27. However I want to explore my options as to fixing the Don Allen system. If anyone can provided advice for removing the chain and conduit from the pedestal and replacement of the broken conduit, I would be grateful.
Arby
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