[C320-list] Troubleshoot C320 Binding Lewmar Folding Wheel

[Utility Email]

C320 Owners with Lewmar Folding Wheels:

I have a Lewmar folding wheel on my Catalina 320 sailboat. I have had it for 5 years since I purchased the boat new in 2007. It has folded flawlessly since new until about 2 weeks ago. Now when I try to fold the starboard side of the wheel, it binds at the hinges and is very difficult to fold. It is so hard to fold, it sem,s like I am going to bend the wheel. I have sent this email to Lewmar Technical Support and am awaiting a reply. Any C320 owners with a Lewmar Folding Wheel have this same problem? Any advice on how to fix this. Barring any quick fix input, I will likely take apart the wheel at the hub to ensure that is is plumb.

It is very disconcerting when trying to fold the wheel for storage after a day of sailing. Please advise as to what I should do to fix this problem. Any and all advice appreciated.

Dave

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, Washington

[John Frost]

I have the same issue. I found that loosening the hex screws in the hinge
helps. Unfortunately that can also make the joint TOO loose. Please let me
know what Lewmar says

Happy Sailing!

John
2007 C320MKII
Hull 1118
Guntersville, AL

[Utility Email]

Good to know. Thanks John.

David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
Principal, LEED AP
Director, Structural Group

Reid Middleton, Inc.
(425) 741-3800 office
(425) 741-5011 direct
(425) 508-7971 mobile

www.reidmiddleton.com