Testing Reverse Gear

[Dennis Thomas]

Safety Net

Many people, including me, have rigged lines crossing the solid end of the slip to act as a safety net and hold the bow off the hard part in a runaway situation. I haven’t “needed” it yet but have found it useful when maneuvering the boat by hand from one finger to the other for cleaning or repairs. Over 25 years ago I was being taught to sail and handle a boat by a very good friend who at that time was my boss at work. He was having me bring his Hunter 32 into the slip under power. I was idling in neutral and put it into reverse to bring it to a stop. Except I put it into forward and gave it a burst of throttle. My next lesson was fiberglass repair.S/V AnodyneCatalina 36

 

[Vic "Seven"]

John N ... those bolts look pretty high tech ...

you would think Edson would give them to past customers to acknowledge their prior mis-engineering. But I guess that 15 years is longer than they engineered the SS original bolts into an aluminium housing for ...And what still surprised me is that instead of a real bolt head they are now using phillips headed bolts.They were very good about sending me an EIGHT PAGE INSTRUCTION sheet on how to replace the shift cable.As it turned out two bolts came out OK, one was cut and the rest of the cut one visegripped out and I was able to move the plastic compass base out of the way with just one bolt holding it. That bolt will never be replaced.

 

[Sam Salter]

Happened to me too!!!

Happened on my C&C 26 (tiller steering).Broke at the pin on the gear shift lever end.When replacing the cable I noticed that as well as moving the cable axially through the outer cover, the system was set up in such a way that it was also working the cable from side to side (fatigue over time)With a little tightening, realignment & tweeking here & there I was able to remove most if not all of the side to side movement.Sam

 

[Bob]

Gary, I learned this the hard way...

and now test every time I come back in to the harbor.Here's one for all you Edson owners.On Edson pedesetals (at least if you have the same pedestal as on my boat) there is a small bolt on the aft side of the pedestal halfway down. This bolt holds a block through which both the shift and throttle cables pass.As I approached my slip, I shifted to reverse and gunned the engine. When I did, the bolt fell out. When this block is unbolted, moving the throttle will actually move the shift lever instead of moving what it is supposed to move. Vice versa for the shifter. So, the shifter moved from reverse into neutral.Now, this was a couple of years ago, only my third time out on this boat, and this is my first boat a)this large, and b)with any kind of engine. I didn't have any back-up plans handy. The only thing I remember going through my mind was the famous line from Animal House where D-Day says "Ramming Speed!" Hit the dock, smashed the lid of the dock box, and came to a screeching halt. Fortunately, no damage to my boat, or any other for that matter. Only damage was to the ego, and that's repairable.I learned several things from this, most of which have already been stated in this thread:1. Always check the darned bolt.2. Do a systems check before committing to the dock, preferably before commiting to the harbor.3. Don't come in too hot.4. Always have a back-up plan.5. Expect that something will go wrong and you will have to use the back-up plan.Tom S, I have heard the same motto as you, quoted differently. My instructor used to say "If you're going to hit something, hit it going really slow." My plan for docking always involves never having to rely on reverse gear.And did I mention that I always check that darned bolt!Fair winds, folks. Launch is T-minus two months and counting. :< The ice is almost out of the harbor! Bobs/v Simple DreamsChicago

 

[John Nantz]

Edson Has EXCELLENT Technical Support

If you have an Edson pedestal steering system on your boat you're in luck because they have an excellent technical support system. 1. Ships Steering System Diagram: This is available from Edson. It shows the design of the system along with part numbers.2. Edson Steering Inspection Checklist: A checklist developed by the manufacturer of your Edson steering system is available on-line for free. It's a four page *.pdf file which is organized by Inspection Area, Action, and Parts Needed. http://www.edsonmarine.com/faq/index.html (select link item #11)This is a generic list for their steering systems so with Item #1 (the diagram) one can check the box (1st column) for those applicable areas to inspect. Actually, page 1 is the instruction sheet for use of the Checklist.3. Planning, Installation and Maintenance Guide for Chain & Wire Steering Systems: More information on maintenance is available at this link at http://www.edsonmarine.com/techsupport/techform.htm (select the first/top link). At the end of this *.pdf document, on page 10, is a section on Pedestal steering maintenance.With the above information one should be able to properly maintain their Edson steering system.Since the staff at Edson are intimately familiar with their product it would seem following their information would be prudent, both to avoid premature wear and expensive replacement as well as in avoiding failure.Preventative maintenance is the cheapest and safest policy.