Replacing Radial Drive Wheel

[RosaMaria]

This is something the surveyor missed on our recently purchased 1991 C30 MKII - the steering radial drive wheel is badly corroded. I just discovered this when I pulled the access cover to check on the tension of the steering cables. What a shock! I found the drain to be mostly plugged which, I believe, has allowed the radial drive wheel, and cables, to sit immersed in water much of the time. The drain has been cleared, but the drive wheel and cables need to be replaced. The question is, can this be done without hauling the boat? Just looking at the drive wheel, it would appear that the rudder could drop off if the bolt passing through the wheel, and rudder shaft, were to be removed. Is there something under the radial drive wheel that holds the rudder as well?

GR

 

[Jack - La Paz Mx]

The "Why Catalina" post applies here. Call Catalina! They are still in operation, will talk to you, suggest solutions, and even have needed parts. After a hurricane Catalina provided ALL stainless for our '83 (pulpits, lifelines, etc) that fit exactly. Give them a call.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

It may look like Hell but the only area that matters is where the cable rides in the groove, as long as corrosion hasn't compromised the structural integrity. What I see in the picture appears to be surface corrosion.

My experience of decades ago is the rudder floats, at least the Newport 30 rudders did. They had a stainless backbone inside a foam and glass shell just as I expect your rudder does. If your rudder isn't waterlogged you should be fine doing the repair in he water. As a precaution, I'd take a swim and tie up the rudder with the lines running up to each gunwhale. Doesn't hurt to be sure.

 

[RosaMaria]

The "Why Catalina" post applies here. Call Catalina! They are still in operation, will talk to you, suggest solutions, and even have needed parts. After a hurricane Catalina provided ALL stainless for our '83 (pulpits, lifelines, etc) that fit exactly. Give them a call.

I contacted Catalina and they responded quickly sending me a detailed drawing. Now I know exactly what is under the radial wheel all the way down to the rudder. "Why Catalina" indeed!