((Wheel Helm Question on the Cape Dory 30))

[David W Aronson]

I am interested in finding out more about the helms on the CD30. I have noted that most CD30’s have a wheel helm mounted in the center of the aft cockpit, and some have a wheel helm mounted on the aft portion of the aft cockpit. This is what I am trying to clarify. Was the aft mounted wheel helm just on the ketch version of the CD30? Obviously in the pictures below, this is the case, but what about on the cutter? I do believe that I have seen cutters or sloops with these aft helms. Please set me straight on this. If there was a particular year when they switched, what was it?

For clarity, here is a link to a picture of a helm that is mounted in the aft portion of the aft cockpit: http://yachtworld.com/boats/display_pho ... zy+Cockpit

For comparison's sake, here is a link to a picture of a helm mounted normally in the center of the aft cockpit: http://yachtworld.com/boats/display_pho ... sc=Cockpit

Thanks in advance,
Dave



d_w_a@hotmail.com

[Ron Musk]

I am interested in finding out more about the helms on the CD30. I have noted that most CD30’s have a wheel helm mounted in the center of the aft cockpit, and some have a wheel helm mounted on the aft portion of the aft cockpit. This is what I am trying to clarify. Was the aft mounted wheel helm just on the ketch version of the CD30? Obviously in the pictures below, this is the case, but what about on the cutter? I do believe that I have seen cutters or sloops with these aft helms. Please set me straight on this. If there was a particular year when they switched, what was it?

For clarity, here is a link to a picture of a helm that is mounted in the aft portion of the aft cockpit: http://yachtworld.com/boats/display_pho ... zy+Cockpit

For comparison's sake, here is a link to a picture of a helm mounted normally in the center of the aft cockpit: http://yachtworld.com/boats/display_pho ... sc=Cockpit

Thanks in advance,
Dave

Dave,
I'm not sure what year CD began to offer the 30 with pedestal steering but I believe it was around 1980.With this set up the factory did away with the stern seat(where the worm drive box was located) and extended the cockpit a foot or so in length.I don't think any steering system was limited to either the ketch or cutter.
Ron Musk
s/v"R&R"
CD30 #42



ccerre@massed.net

[Dale W.]

My 1979 Cutter has the Edson worm gear steering which is the aft mounted. I've seen a 1981 with the pedestal steering. The worm gear setup is rock solid and bullet proof (and provides little feedback). My experience with pedestal steering is that there is substantially more feel, but also the need to adjust the slack that develops over time.

Also, if you are looking to buy one, check the possibility of problems with the cockpit floor where cuts and holes were made for mounting either type. The factory boys did not seal the balsa core material. Past posts on this subject are pretty numerous. The worm gear setup also needs scrutiny in that the factory mounting brackets which position and brace the steering gear assembly are mild steel. These brackets tend to require rebuilding/reinforcement/replacement. Again, quite a bit of info in the archives on this issue, too.






majortest@earthlink.net

[Jerry J Commisso]

I have a 1980 CD30c hull # 141 with a pedestal mounted wheel in the center of the cockpit. I also have seats that wrap all the way around the cockpit so you can sit directly behind the wheel. I have not seen another CD30 with this same setup.

Jerry J Commisso
CD30c CHELSEA ROSE

I am interested in finding out more about the helms on the CD30. I have noted that most CD30’s have a wheel helm mounted in the center of the aft cockpit, and some have a wheel helm mounted on the aft portion of the aft cockpit. This is what I am trying to clarify. Was the aft mounted wheel helm just on the ketch version of the CD30? Obviously in the pictures below, this is the case, but what about on the cutter? I do believe that I have seen cutters or sloops with these aft helms. Please set me straight on this. If there was a particular year when they switched, what was it?

For clarity, here is a link to a picture of a helm that is mounted in the aft portion of the aft cockpit: http://yachtworld.com/boats/display_pho ... zy+Cockpit

For comparison's sake, here is a link to a picture of a helm mounted normally in the center of the aft cockpit: http://yachtworld.com/boats/display_pho ... sc=Cockpit

Thanks in advance,
Dave

liasboat@aol.com