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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Wheel friction brake

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rsimpson
Deckhand

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USA
5 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/20/2003 : 12:37:01

Does anyone have the Edson wheel friction brake installed on the pedestal steeing and if so do you like it. What are the pros and cons. 2003 WK Fraid Knot

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2003 : 13:36:56

Many with the wheel have added it and use it a lot...

If plans include a wheel pilot...then there is no need for the brake...as engaging the wheel pilot when not in auto mode serves as a brake.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

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Rubin Hawkins
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2003 : 16:43:22

I have a brake and I like it. The brake Knob is a great place to put the main sheet. The brake holds the wheel fast. This can be helpful when boarding with a beer belly. This may not apply to all users of course

Rubin
Windy Joy
C250 WB #591

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2003 : 17:37:57

I added the wheel brake to Moon Chaser and it is a simple installation (do not drop any parts down the pedestal though). You might consider what else you could do for the 9/10 boat unit...I use mine to lock the Rudder in place when sleeping aboard to keep the noise down from the rudder swishing back and forth. I used it a few times after I installed it to jump down and get a drink or what ever when single handing but since I have learned sail trim and balancing the sails I have not used it at all when sailing. Close to the wind you can go for long periods of time without touching the helm and but off the wind you may want to use the wheel lock if you leave the helm for an extended time.
Steve

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc32b3127cce94d57c8cff3b0000001010" border=0> Moon Chaser #385WK <img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/forum1.gif" border=0>

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jkountz
1st Mate

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USA
48 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2003 : 20:11:55

I considered adding a wheel brake but instead went with the autopilot. If you want unattended steering then the autopilot is the way to go.

Besides shore power, the autohelm is the most welcome improvement I've made to my boat. I solo almost exclusively and cruise year-round here in Seattle. When the weather gets nasty I can withdraw to the cabin and monitor progress through the cabin windows while keeping warm and dry.

You can't do that with a wheel brake.

John Kountz
Foolish Treasure #668

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mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2003 : 01:25:23

I have a wheel brake on my wheel along with an autopilot. I still find the brake very useful in situations where you're not locked into the autopilot and would suggest getting it (with or without an autopilot). If nothing else, it allows you to lock the rudder while at dock or moored. Sometimes it works well to momentarily hold the wheel to take a drink or a bite of a sandwich when sailing without having to set the autohelm. If you don't have the autohelm, you defintely need the brake to hold the wheel at times.

Max Day
C250 WB 380
Lake Pleasant, AZ

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2003 : 07:12:29

Max... With the ST4000, when not in auto mode, engaging the pilot clutch serves the same purpose as a wheel brake.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

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Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2003 : 00:32:52

I have a wheel brake. I think it works great

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da35b3127cce961d8ff3fd0b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495
2003 National Champion

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mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2003 : 00:24:08

Arlyn,

Good point. I guess since I had the wheel brake before installing the autohelm, I just continued to use it. Thanks for pointing out that I can do either.

Max

Max Day
C250 WB 380
Lake Pleasant, AZ

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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.