C29 Pedestal Brand

[MrSeaDragon]

Dear brains trust,

Does anyone know the make/origin of the steering pedestal etc on an original C29 ?

I have unsuccessfully tried to source a replacement chain and wire (managed to fudge something), and now there has been a similar question raised on the FB Group. 

I'm reasonably sure its not an Edson.

Hoping for clear memories . . . 

Kind regards,

Greg

C29 - Sea Dragon

[Mando C29]

Hello Greg,

I can't help you with who actually made the pedestal, however on my Compass 29 I contacted a Company called "Rope and Chain" in Launceston  (if my memory serves me correctly) and they had no trouble supplying chain and wire.

The real trap for beginners (like me) was fitting the wire. It appears that to have it correctly installed on the quadrature ( that's the big ring that rotates the rudder post) and get it to turn the correct way, the wires (cables) have to cross over within the pedestal. If your set up is the same as mine and this occurs, then its a good idea to grease up the wires where they cross so they don't rub through. You will have to steel yourself for a challenging task when you terminate the wires so as not to blow your brains out or alternatively hire a circus contortionist. Good luck.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Maurice. Ex Mando

[Maeling]

Sound like the cable needs a trial fit using something like Parramatta Rope, just to check it is going the right way.  When you do have it sorted, can you post it here and on your site so we have it for posterity.

Thanks all   Geoff

[MrSeaDragon]

Thanks Maurice, 

You are absolutely correct in that the wire needs to be crossed within the pedestal. I looked hard at whether they could be crossed after the idler wheel, but they just didn't point in the right direction.

What details did the Launceston company need to supply the replacement chain/wire ?? My chain has something stamped on the side but it is not completely legible.

Kind regards,

Greg.

C29 - Sea Dragon

[MrSeaDragon]

And thanks Geoff for the Addendum :

"I am told the steering pedestal on the C29's was a Canon Brand by Norm Casey. They also made winches. The secret in tensioning the cables is to swage a rigging screw to one end of the cable that is housed inside the Quadrant. There is still a lot of adjusting with the chain over the top sprocket to get an even Port  & Stbd rudder angle

Geoff"

I have to admit that I personally wish the Reply By Email facility would be turned off. Its very confusing when the thread gets split like that.

Kind regards,

Greg.

[Mando C29]

Greg,

Thanks for the reply. A couple of key things ( my apologies if I'm stating the obvious): Check the "slop" on the sprocket to shaft, movement. The keyway on mine was quite worn. Secondly, check the wear on the sprocket teeth.

If they are "peaked " you may need to replace the sprocket. Information required is: distance of peak to peak on the sprocket, width of the sprocket, length of chain required (this is determined by full starboard to full port) wire size, length of wire required and type of cable crimp required. (normally a sleeve type of crimp is fine). I found that to tension I simply pulled the wire tight and locked up the dog clamps. (must have 2) It's a 2 man job that requires a lot of patience and the introduction of a few new swear words!!!

Good luck and keep me posted,

Cheers,

Maurice. 

[Maeling]

I put a swimming platform on Maeling's transom after I figured out that it was near impossible to get back aboard without a rope or assistance.  I think there was a Marie Celeste type article at the time of a yacht whose crew was lost when they couldn't get back aboard.  Pretty soon after, I made a swimming platform for Maeling's transom.  Getting out of the water is easy now.

On Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 1:35:38 PM UTC+10 Mando C29 wrote: