I am looking to buy an "already sailed" 320. I like the boat in every regard except that I find it difficult to get around the wheel in the cockpit. It seems Catalina put a large wheel on the 320 and this causes the problem in getting around the wheel. Two questions: 1) Why did Catalina spec the wheel to this size? 2) Can the wheel size be reduced without any any reduction in performance? Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.
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Sail Trim
Very simple, use whatever size wheel you are comfortable with. The wheel size really doesn't have anything to do with performance. Sail size and trim is what to be concerned about.
Very simple, use whatever size wheel you are comfortable with. The wheel size really doesn't have anything to do with performance. Sail size and trim is what to be concerned about.
Smaller wheel = less leverage
It's nothing to be concerned about so long as you don't experience a lot of weather helm. All you lose is the extra leverage on the rudder. Keep the sails trimmed properly and reef early and it should be no big deal.
It's nothing to be concerned about so long as you don't experience a lot of weather helm. All you lose is the extra leverage on the rudder. Keep the sails trimmed properly and reef early and it should be no big deal.
wheel sizing
I have a large destroyer wheel on my 1998, 380, Catalina. I enjoy the larger wheel that compliments the large cockpit that is now enjoyed by Catlina late model owners. I wish I had a larger wheel!! I am able to sit on the side of the boat and view my sail trim and watch for traffic with the large wheel. At anchor or dockside it can easily be removed for manuevering around....
I have a large destroyer wheel on my 1998, 380, Catalina. I enjoy the larger wheel that compliments the large cockpit that is now enjoyed by Catlina late model owners. I wish I had a larger wheel!! I am able to sit on the side of the boat and view my sail trim and watch for traffic with the large wheel. At anchor or dockside it can easily be removed for manuevering around....
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