Gemini Steering Mechanism Pictures

[Mr B]

Hi there.
I am stuck on an island in NSW Australia and my steering on my Gemini 105Mc Catamaran is stuffed,
I used bits of rope on the motor as steering to get me in here,

Does any one on here know where I can get an instruction manual or details of what it looks like,
I need to fix it and there is nothing here,

I cant go any where till its fixed.

The Gemini manual gives no information on it whatsoever, and I have no idea on what it looks like inside.

I think the problem is inside the Autopilot mechanism on the steering wheel. It was making awfull noises before it just refused to work.
It would only go round in right turns, it would not go left at all,

Any internet site that you can think off would be most welcome, or any piccys that show what it looks like inside,
Or some one that knows any thing about it at all.

It is very urgent. And I am desperate.

Thanks Brian.

[Blue Stocking]

Describe the equipment you have. Brand, model #, elec, hydr, etc.

[Waterway Guide]

The Gemini Gems list-serve has several demonstrations and videos on I think both repairing and quick fixes for steering. You would need to join the yahoo group (free), but this site is ESSENTIAL if you have a Gemini...It has ten ways to fix any problem. I downloaded the entire site before setting off on a big trip so that I could use it as reference even when I didn't have a connection. Give me a moment and I'll see if I can repost what I think might be most helpful.
Mike - Waterway Guide

[Mr B]

Raymarine ST 6002 S1 wheel drive system.

2003 Gemini 105Mc Catamaran.

I think the thing inside the hull that has the steering cables attached to it has broken,

How do you get that thing out from inside the hull, I took the fridge cover off under the control panel next to the steering wheel.
Its quite a large peice of equiptment, will it come out through the control panel,
The control panel is where the ignition switch and fuel guages are located.

How do you get the steering cables out of the hull.

Thanks for your time and effort, It is greatly appreciated,

I think the Autopilot attached to the steering wheel is okay, the belt is tight and does release when you move the lever.

Brian.

[Waterway Guide]

Brian: It sounds like either a steering cable (or cables) have seized up, the autopilot is stuck or needs a new belt. Does the wheel move at all with the autopilot off and clutch open? What year is your 105Mc?
Mike - Waterway Guide

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

Brian: It sounds like either a steering cable (or cables) have seized up, the autopilot is stuck or needs a new belt. Does the wheel move at all with the autopilot off and clutch open? What year is your 105Mc?
Mike - Waterway Guide

I think it must be a broken cable as I have one rudder port and one rudder starboard, but the thing inside the hull has crunchy sounds when I turn the spigot for the steering wheel.

I have removed the steering wheel from the dash.

[smj]

Try the Yahoo Gemini group site. If anyone knows it would be one of the 1000 Gemini owners on that site.

[Waterway Guide]

Yes, it's time to replace the cables on a 2003, especially if they haven't been lubed often. I haven't yet had the pleasure of replacing them on my 2005, but I know many who have. Here's a two part video by my buddy Walt on s/v Felix...All you need to know (except how to get the replacement kit shipped to Aus!).

Gemini Steering Cables on Felix_ Part 1 0001.wmv - YouTube

Gemini Steering Cables on Felix part 2_0001.wmv - YouTube

Mike - Waterway Guide

[smj]

If you had one bad cable couldn't you remove it and run on one rudder until you get to a place to purchase another? I believe they are the standard Teleflex cables.

[Waterway Guide]

Here's a couple more videos that may help:
waltsailing2009's Channel - YouTube
waltsailing2009's Channel - YouTube
I'll see if I can find a recommended place to order the steering cable kit. DEFINITELY join the gemini yahoo group...I'd have been lost without it.
Mike - Waterway Guide

[Mr B]

Thanks Mike,
Those 2 video's did the trick, At least now I know what I am looking for and should be able to fix something up to get me back to civilisation.

It makes it a lot easier if you have an idea whats going on,

Your help is most appreciated.

I am on my way home from Fiji where I bought the boat from, Single handed from Fiji to Melbourne.

I have only owned it 2 months and most of that has been sailing it to here.

Nearly 6 weeks I have been on board sailing.

I have had to crash learn everything about this boat, but I am learning fast.

Thanks again for your most invaluable help.

Cheers,
Brian.

[Waterway Guide]

No worries. I wish you a successful repair and happy sailing. Sounds like you have many adventures ahead!
Mike - Waterway Guide

[DeepFrz]

What is the final answer to this problem? That boat in the video was a 2008 and the steering cables had exploded, just replacing them wouldn't leave me with a lot of confidence. Should the whole steering system be replaced with larger hub and cables?

[Mr B]

What a job, moved the fridge and got the steering box out,
One of the cables had exploded just like in the video.
Now to get the cables out of the boat,
Then I will see where I go from there.

Would have been easier if they had put a tube in there so you could just slide the cables through it,

At least it did not break down halfway across the Pacific.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

What is the final answer to this problem? That boat in the video was a 2008 and the steering cables had exploded, just replacing them wouldn't leave me with a lot of confidence. Should the whole steering system be replaced with larger hub and cables?

With you all the way on that. Have never been aboard a Gemini, but have installed bigger, heavier system on 30 ft outboards.