28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Boat handling, ideas, questions...
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eodguy
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2017 8:02 am
Location: Satellite Beach FL

28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post 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

andygc
Posts: 92
Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2016 4:33 pm

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post 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.
Sold for health reasons :(

eodguy
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2017 8:02 am
Location: Satellite Beach FL

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post by eodguy »

Great idea, thanks!

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1980raven
Posts: 101
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:50 pm
Location: Warwick Cove, Rhode Island

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post 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.
Freedom 28 CK Hull# 14, centerboard, wrap around sails with WB booms
Narragansett Bay, RI

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1980raven
Posts: 101
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:50 pm
Location: Warwick Cove, Rhode Island

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post by 1980raven »

The wheel size I use is 24". Here is a picture of the cockpit.
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cockpit wheel.JPG
cockpit wheel.JPG (108.59 KiB) Viewed 8160 times
Freedom 28 CK Hull# 14, centerboard, wrap around sails with WB booms
Narragansett Bay, RI

eodguy
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2017 8:02 am
Location: Satellite Beach FL

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post by eodguy »

I really like that!
Thanks for the info!

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gulfcoastsailor
Posts: 73
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 2:43 pm

Re: 28 Cat Ketch wheel size

Post by gulfcoastsailor »

Hey! What is that stuff in the water around the boat? Looks like broken glass. Just curious.

A Florida smarta$$.
Chip

"Encore"
Freedom 32
1985 #72

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