[C320-list] Folding wheel?

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

I'm thing about replacing the wheel with a folding one. Blue Skies #1037 2005

The current wheel has the lock/brake on the knurled center hub.
Before I tear the old one out, what can I expect?

I think it's a 1" straight shaft taking a Lewmar wheel.


Any advice? Warnings?
Thanks


Pat
Pat Tormey
S/V Blue Skies
Newport RI

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

Hi Pat:

I presume you don't have a wheel pilot. Other than that, I can't see a problem, although I don't understand the description of the wheel brake. Isn't it on the right side of the pedestal, like most Edsons?

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2025 9:51 AM
To: c320...@lists.catalina320.com TtS <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Cc: ptormey 4square.net <pto...@4square.net>
Subject: [C320-list] Folding wheel?

[jicchak--- via C320-list]

I replaced my standard 40” wheel with a 36” Lewmar Dual Hub Folding wheel. The hub to shaft fitting required an adapter. Using a smaller wheel required extra effort in strong winds but not a problem if the sails are properly trimmed. My original Raymarine autopilot wheel ST4000 needed to be supported with wider brackets due to the slight offset angle of the wheel spokes. I’ve used the folding wheel for the past fifteen years and think it’s great to have, especially at anchor. 
Jack2000 Cat320 Downtime 


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[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

No wheel pilot. Ditched that a while back.
The knurled knob at the hub locks the wheel.

It's a long shaft that engages somewhere in the pedestal.

Pat
Pat Tormey
S/V Blue Skies
Newport RI

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:04:13 AM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: Jack Brennan <jackbre...@outlook.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Folding wheel?

[Greg Arnold via C320-list]

Guessing that Pat has a newer 320 (year 2001+) with the newer Edson
pedestal that moved the wheel brake.  At the same time, went from
straight shaft to tapered shaft.

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

This emphasizes a suggestion I always have for owners.  Always finish your posts with year/hull number (and maybe engine type if relevant) so people can provide more focused responses/help. 
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32

[mark--- via C320-list]

1996 320, replaced stock with Lewmar leather-wrapped folding wheel 3 years ago. No modifications, Autohelm adapted with no problem. Love the extra walk around space it provides when folded

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I would love to have a folding wheel ..... hate squeezing around.  However, my money would be spent better elsewhere. 

Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Sat, Nov 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM, mark--- via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: 1996 320, replaced stock with Lewmar leather-wrapped folding wheel 3 years ago. No modifications, Autohelm adapted with no problem. Love the extra walk around space it provides when folded

[ART HARDEN via C320-list]

Dave:

The Perkins engine was used in the 320 until about hull 250i ln some of the later 1995’s had they had the Universal engine along with other significant changes.

Sent from my iPhone

Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" 243
E-42
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On Nov 8, 2025, at 11:27 AM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
>  This emphasizes a suggestion I always have for owners. Always finish your posts with year/hull number (and maybe engine type if relevant) so people can provide more focused responses/help.