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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 Arlyn's Softlink		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Neal Foxworthy
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts
Initially Posted - 06/11/2002 :  15:37:53  Show Profile
With the 3rd generation rudder installed is Arlyn's softlink controlling the motor still as necessary?

Neal
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coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts
Response Posted - 06/11/2002 :  22:31:48  Show Profile
much as we loved arlyns soft link. it dosen't work with a 99 wk. (and above) there just isnt enough room for the engine to move back and forth. WHAT DO YOU OTHER THINK?



COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK
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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts
Response Posted - 06/11/2002 :  23:05:08  Show Profile
The soft Link works great on my 1999 250WK with the 3rd generation rudder, but the original owner had a OB motor mount installed to be sure his prop stayed in the water which gives full 180+ degree turning. I took the soft link off so that I could learn to manuver without (I was using it all the time and I installed it as soon as I bought the boat). In tight docking or other instances I can manually rotate the OB to increase the manuverability of the boat. I have it down now so I am considering putting the soft link system back on, I do not think it matters which rudder you have, it helps to be able to turn the rudder and the motor at the same time with one motion in most cases.
Steve Steakley
Moon Chaser #385
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coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts
Response Posted - 06/13/2002 :  09:10:42  Show Profile
that must be what makes the soft link work on the 250. we dont have the ob bracket. something to look into. thanks

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK
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Tray
Navigator

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Namibia
224 Posts
Response Posted - 06/13/2002 :  19:06:33  Show Profile
I don't have the outboard bracket either, but the softlink made a huge difference in my maneuverability. Although the engine won't pivot as much (maybe 20 degrees each way), it is enough to make getting in and out of my slip far easier than before.

I may add the outboard bracket later, but right now it really isn't necessary for me.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"
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jkey6
1st Mate

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71 Posts
Response Posted - 06/17/2002 :  22:44:35  Show Profile
Hi,

We sail "All Keyed up", a Yr, 2000 WK.

I have used Arlyn's softlink for a couple of years. No problems.

We have a 2 stroke Nissan 9.9 electric start with pedestal mounted engine controls.

I would estimate that the motor rotates between 25 and 35 degrees. Just enough extra help when we are slow in the slips. Its great!

I don't think the motor needs much more rotation. If you have a saildrive, you can not set the rudder more than 35 degrees. Even if you could, it would stall.

For us, Arlyn's idea completely resolved our handling concerns.

THANKS AGAIN ARLYN!!
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coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts
Response Posted - 06/18/2002 :  07:17:14  Show Profile
do you use a out board motor bracket, or is your motor on the transom? we have a 9.9 and dont have an inch either side for the motor to move? thanks. (we also have the pedestal and electric start)

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK
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jguyot
1st Mate

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USA
97 Posts
Response Posted - 06/18/2002 :  09:46:13  Show Profile
The big difference is whether you have a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke. The 4-stroke engines are MUCH bigger than the 2-strokes! If you have a four stroke, and you want to be able to turn the motor, then you will probably need to buy a motor mount. There just isn't enough room in the well to be able to turn the motor. I have a 2001 Honda 8hp and I had to get the outboard bracket that was an option on the boat. (~$100). Here is a picture of it:
[http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b300581ba4e5&notag=1]

Hope this helps.....

Jerry Guyot
2001 250WK #586
"Sail La Vie"
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coldducks
Captain

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USA
342 Posts
Response Posted - 06/18/2002 :  22:36:36  Show Profile
now i understand......if that is a picture of the 2001 wk, there is a huge differene in the transom from the 99. we have the 2 stroke..and it is too large for the opening in the transom for the engine to turn. you have a much larger opening on your transom for your motor be it 2 or 4 stroke. we have less than an inch on either side of our motor. so turning it at all is impossible. but thank you for the picture. now i can see why some can use the soft link and some of us can not..thanks again.

COLDDUCKS
FANTASY #409 C250WK
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts
Response Posted - 06/19/2002 :  12:36:47  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
Perspectives can be difficult with pictures...I'm thinking there hasn't been any change in the molds. But, I don't know that.

On my '96, the 2001 Honda will rotate freely for a port turn but is restricted to about 20 deg for a starboard turn.

This is actually favorable to continued use of the softlink as the restricted direction is against the pull of the bungee... while the firm line direction is unrestricted.

20 deg of turn seems to be adequate for my needs. To obtain, the motor has to be located very carefully in the well and did require changing out the starboard plate to a larger one, though later models may have a larger plate...or are available from Catalina.

I made mine from a piece of starboard plastic bought at Harbor Freight...actually a packaged pair of cutting boards.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.