Catamaran wheel steering

[herb manders]

Hi ,
I have a Easy32 Cat with Tiller steering and I would like to convert to wheel ,I have been advised single cable outboard steering is unsuitable but I know others have it ,or would I be better going for simple cable and pulleys any advice appreciated .Any advice from others with Seastar cabling .

[carlosproa]

Not familiar with that brand or model, but using spectra lines and blocks can be used to set up steering. This is what I have in my EDELCAT33. Although I find it easier to steer with the bar as I use most of the time a tiller pilot so I don’t spend too much time steering

[chrisr]

we had to re-engineer the steering on our previous cat (32' simpson) when the existing single push / pull cable died of old age

could not find any cable replacement so eventually went for a single double acting hydraulic cylinder, centrally mounted. worked very very well

cheers,

[Stellar1970Cat]

I have a 1970 catamaran with wheel and cable steering. It failed on open stretch of water coming from Whitsundays to Airlie.

We had to make an emergency tiller steering. Lots more work with tiller steering.
I replaced the cable and pulleys. The steering drum was broken on one side as it was laced wrong way as I Found on a video on Youtube.
I was able to reuse the broken steering pulley by lacing the cable correctly.

Then adjusted the toe in to a slight angle.
On my first test sail and my first single handed ever sail, from Airlie Beach to Bowen, I was able to steer better. In fact I first motored and pointed the steering towards the route. Then had a breakfast while stellar sailed on track without touching the steering. After breakfast I lifted the sails and turned the motor off. Boat veered to right track past a headland like magic. Then 3 and half hours later I had to touch steering as an island came too close!
I am happy with the old school cable steering which is easy to fix and keeps the boat pointing the right direction��

[sailingjoa]

Originally Posted by carlosproa

Not familiar with that brand or model, but using spectra lines and blocks can be used to set up steering. This is what I have in my EDELCAT33. Although I find it easier to steer with the bar as I use most of the time a tiller pilot so I don’t spend too much time steering

Hello carlosproa, we a noob couple that have recently also got a EDELCAT33, the boat is still in the yard, we have never sailed it yet. This boat is very unique, from the crossbeams to the hollow non sacrificial keels. We have been thinking about getting a helm to steer. What are your thoughts on that! And how is it going with your hard top project? Do wave any blue prints ☺️? Protection from the sun is a big concern for us. It would be nice to have the opinions of someone that has been sailing this boat. Things to do not to do, what to expect…

[carlosproa]

Originally Posted by sailingjoa

Hello carlosproa, we a noob couple that have recently also got a EDELCAT33, the boat is still in the yard, we have never sailed it yet. This boat is very unique, from the crossbeams to the hollow non sacrificial keels. We have been thinking about getting a helm to steer. What are your thoughts on that! And how is it going with your hard top project? Do wave any blue prints [emoji5]? Protection from the sun is a big concern for us. It would be nice to have the opinions of someone that has been sailing this boat. Things to do not to do, what to expect…

Although I do have a design, the cost of materials went up too much, so I decided to go the route of a 7 ft long by 14 ft wide Bimini top.

The edecat33 must be kept light at the transom.
I Can send you pictures of moving the galley to one hull and eliminate one head. It makes for more room in the cuddy cabin.
Having a code zero is better than an asymmetrical spinnaker.
You can create a wheel steering with dynema rope, but having an autopilot is best from one of the tillers

I am in Nicaragua right now supervising the coffee plantation but will be back in Miami soon and can send you pictures of the mods I did

[carlosproa]

Originally Posted by carlosproa

Although I do have a design, the cost of materials went up too much, so I decided to go the route of a 7 ft long by 14 ft wide Bimini top.

The edecat33 must be kept light at the transom.
I Can send you pictures of moving the galley to one hull and eliminate one head. It makes for more room in the cuddy cabin.
Having a code zero is better than an asymmetrical spinnaker.
You can create a wheel steering with dynema rope, but having an autopilot is best from one of the tillers

I am in Nicaragua right now supervising the coffee plantation but will be back in Miami soon and can send you pictures of the mods I did

If you are planning to go across the pond,you might also want to practice heave-to, carry a couple of old tires tied with chain and nylon rod in each hull to slow down the boat on a big blow, a a series drogue if you have the budget.

[sailingjoa]

Originally Posted by carlosproa

If you are planning to go across the pond,you might also want to practice heave-to, carry a couple of old tires tied with chain and nylon rod in each hull to slow down the boat on a big blow, a a series drogue if you have the budget.

Yes, we also are making a similar Bimini type cover, materials are too expensive in Europe also.

It’s fantastic to have knowledge from someone that has the same boat.

Funny that you talk about the head out, it’s one of the things that he have been discussing. We were thinking to change the stove and hole galley to the hull, this way it would become more homey during rainy weather.

About the drogue, we really want to get one or the tier, but one question that we have is where to attach it? Where to put the chainplates? In the inside of the hulls? Outside? Outside of the center cabin? (What’s your thoughts?)

We would appreciate the pictures of your modifications, that would be great.

Yes, We do want to cross, but it will take a long time to be ready, but if we don’t it’s ok as long we are sailing ��

Enjoy Nicaragua ��