Moving a Helm Station

[gpalana]

I tried this post on the Construction/refit forum but no informative replies.

I wanted to know if anyone had any experience moving helm stations, specifically on a privilege 39 or 42 catamaran. I think it would be better/safer for cruising to have the helm station closer to the cabin. I just don't know if it is a feasible option to move the helm (cost, work...) I think I can most of the work myself but will I need any custom made mechanical parts, things of that nature.

any input, ideas, successes, failures would be appreciated.

thanks

[svcattales]

I was interested in a Privilege 39 and also considered moving the helm to main bulkhead. When I asked the broker if it was possible to move the helm he said yes, but it would be expensive. I ended up buying a Privilege 37 with the helm where i wanted it.

When I think about the steering on my boat, there isn't anything I would call high-tech. Just lots of pulleys, wire, and steering quadrant on the rudder shaft. I would suggest that you look closely at the proposed helm location and figure out how to make long straight wire runs. You can go around some corners with turning pulleys, but you might incur more friction. If it gets too complicated, you might consider a hydraulic steering push-pull system (like power boats). The hydraulic steering requires only one cable and it can be routed around bends and curves. I don't know if you would get the same "feel" for weather helm with hydraulic steering or not.

Sorry I can't provide some actual experience in moving a helm.

[Jeannius]

I would think you can move the helm on a Privilege without too much difficulty. The hulls aren't that differnet between generations so I'll bet you could take the steering components from my Privilege 435 and fit them to an earlier 39 - 45.

[James S]

I moved mine about 8ft forward...Not a Privilege.
Has hydraulic steering so that was just an oversize in making longer hoses.
New shift cables as well but could have sorted the old ones.
All the electronics leads were long enough....so no problem there.
I built a new helm, but you could use your old one.
Check winch/stopper locations.