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28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 5:45 pm
by eodguy
Hello all,
New member here in Satellite Beach FL. I have a '82 28' Cat Ketch (wishbone booms) that I'm about to begin restoring and have a question for other owners on steering wheel size.
Mine wheel is 32" and steers very easily but take up a lot of room. I'd like to drop a few inches to make it easier to get around the cockpit and locker door clearance.
Wondering if others have done this and how it worked out?
Thanks for your help.
Merlin

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2017 8:46 am
by andygc
My F30 CK (ie the same boat but sold in the UK) has a 30" wheel on a Whitlock Cobra system. That gives 1 1/2 turns lock to lock. Reducing the wheel size would make the helm heavier. I wouldn't want to do that.

If your boat is afloat you could get an idea of helm load by sailing in a strong wind holding part way down the spokes rather than holding the rim of the wheel.

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:02 pm
by eodguy
Great idea, thanks!

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2017 10:48 am
by 1980raven
The former owner of my freedom 28 had converted to a smaller wheel. I have sailed in 35 knot winds and have not had trouble controlling the boat. The next time I visit the boat I will measure the wheel size on Raven.

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 9:33 am
by 1980raven
The wheel size I use is 24". Here is a picture of the cockpit.

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 11:31 pm
by eodguy
I really like that!
Thanks for the info!

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 6:07 pm
by gulfcoastsailor
Hey! What is that stuff in the water around the boat? Looks like broken glass. Just curious.

A Florida smarta$$.