changing steering from wormgear to chain

[rudy36]

We have a 1980 Union 36 with wormgear steering. I want to eliminate the wormgear steering shaft and wheel and change out to pedestal steering. I need to have instruments and autohelm at the helm station and have no way to make it work with the current setup. Anyone ever done this? Where do I start?

[Splash Gordon]

Get hold of the chaps at Edson. They probably supplied the original gear, and I know Rob will be able to do the neccessary calculations for you.
The thing you've got to look out for is the extra force you will require to turn the wheel. Open-wire steering is very powerful, but the extra force transmitted to the wheel is offset by the larger wheel a pedestal allows one to swing: do you have room to swing a 3' diameter wheel in your cockpit? If you want to look at another option, I'd also look at the CD-i system from Edson- it's a drag-link unit with a bevel-gear system driving a lever under the deck which pushes on a little tiller on your rudder-shaft. The feel is amazingly direct, and I'd say, without having seen your below-deck arrangement, that it'd be the neatest system for you.

[GordMay]

Edson has numerous Tech Support Worksheets, Guides & Manuals, and Videos:
Goto:
Edson Tech Support & Manuals
And:
Edson Videos

Including:
Chain & Wire Rope Steering System Planning, Installation and Maintenance Guide:
http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/P...eringGuide.pdf

[rudy36]

thanks fellas...I'll look into and contact Edson.