Hi,
I am about to replace my
steering system's chain and wire. The wire is 5/16" and uses #50 chain. I've got those
parts covered.
The previous owner left a trove of spares, including older
steering chain and fittings. That's great. The older set up used 1/4" cable and
compression fittings on the chain to cable bits. I don't recognize the manufacturer of the fitting and am curious.
The fitting could be UK or US made. The
Netherlands is also possible, but I believe these spares are from the
current steering system, which I was told is not original.
Here is the fitting assembled, and the interesting bits from its mate:
And here is a closeup of the manufacturer's mark:
And yes, the sheaves are quite capable of handling the 5/16" cable properly. Plenty of groove width and sheave radius. I'm doing the replacement as a preventive
maintenance item this year. No meat hooks or wear, yet.
I have had chain fail on a previous
boat so I am taking the conservative road here.
That failure was a few months after a careful
inspection. The chain
oil and general black gunk hid the cracked link sideplate.
And before everyone tells me to revarnish that table
, it's my 90 year old Maple dining table that was my grandmother's.
Thanks in advance.