Dyneema alternative to steering wheel chain?

[mrybas]

Is there a way to replace the chain that goes over the wheel sprocket with dyneema?

[Alberg30Shill]

You can make tillers out of dyneema??? Amazing! :-D

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Alberg30Shill

You can make tillers out of dyneema??? Amazing! :-D

Neither funny nor helpful...

For the OP, I don't think so. Some folks have experimented with replacing the wire rope part of the steering cable with Dyneema, and with mixed results, but you really need the positive connection between the sprocket and chain for good steering precision.

Jim

[mrybas]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Neither funny nor helpful...



For the OP, I don't think so. Some folks have experimented with replacing the wire rope part of the steering cable with Dyneema, and with mixed results, but you really need the positive connection between the sprocket and chain for good steering precision.



Jim

Thanks Jim.
Does anyone know where to order a replacement chain?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by mrybas

Thanks Jim.
Does anyone know where to order a replacement chain?

McMaster Carr has all sorts of chain. You'll just need some measurements of your existing chain

[iancoombe]

You may find that your chain is a common motorcycle type failing that Google industrial drive chain supply.
Cheers

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by mrybas

Thanks Jim.
Does anyone know where to order a replacement chain?

What marque is the steering? If Edson, I'd check with them. The chain itself is almost certainly a standard industrial chain, available from many sources. The connecting link between chain and wire rope may be less available from generic sources... I can't remember the details on mine.

Jim

[Ziggy]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

What marque is the steering? If Edson, I'd check with them. The chain itself is almost certainly a standard industrial chain, available from many sources. The connecting link between chain and wire rope may be less available from generic sources... I can't remember the details on mine.

Jim

Edson chain will fit many other makers' system. It's pretty expensive, but you don't need to replace it very often and it does come with the appropriate end fittings.

If your old end fittings are in reasonable shape, you may be able to reuse them.

[Training Wheels]

I was able to use a Wichard shackle for my end fittings, fit perfectly. I used a flush Allen head shackle.

[Captsteve53]

Just one small point that has not been noted and that is EDSON chain and all fittings are Stainless steel!!!!!

Chain & Wire Kits : Edson Marine Store

[UNCIVILIZED]

You might check with some of the companies which build high end racing & cruising boats. Like Goetz Marine Technologies, Cooksons, etc. Though you may find that you'd have to completely swap out your gears, & some other components in order for said parts/conversion to be viable. Also a fair number of boat designers/design firms would know, as would some DIY Boatbuilders. And there are plenty of forums for the latter, including www.boatdesign.net/forums

[sailah]

McMaster has stainless chain in both 304 and 316 you just need to know the pitch of the chain which is easy to figure out with some measuring tools.

[mrybas]

It's a Goiot wheel. The end fitting looks like the cable just passes through the last link of the chain? I think I will try heat set dyneema instead of stainless cable, reason being the turning blocks to the quadrants are aluminum.

[malbert73]

Yikes that chain is a disgrace. Why is it getting wet?

Also, not sure I'd worry about weight with steering system which is main reason to change to dyneema. Steel cable should resist abrasion better over years and years, no?

[mrybas]

Originally Posted by malbert73

Yikes that chain is a disgrace. Why is it getting wet?

Also, not sure I'd worry about weight with steering system which is main reason to change to dyneema. Steel cable should resist abrasion better over years and years, no?

There are small holes where the cables pass through the deck, to blocks then aft. When sailing fast and a wave hits the bridge deck, water would shoot up he holes and soak the inside of the pedestal. PO never bothered to replace the rotten rubber flap that deflects water from entering the holes.
Switching to dyneema would prevent dissimilar metals from being in contact. The stainless wire is corroding the AL turning blocks.