Recently purchased a 1977 CD30 Cutter. We are considering changing over to new Edson Pedestal steering. Has anyone had any experience doing this? Is it as practical and as easy as Edson advertises? What is involved? Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks Rick
Loretarick@aol.com
Edson retrofit
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Bill Goldsmith
Re: Edson retrofit
Rick:
I went through the whole wheel v. tiller decision process two years ago when I bought my 1980 CD27. I decided to keep the tiller but I can share some thoughts with you.
As a preliminary matter Edson's customer service folks are great and they will almost literally hold your hand through the process. They have a spec sheet for the CD30 (and most other production sailboats) that is worth a thousand words. Get a hold of that from them. They will also give you a parts list with options to consider as well such as pedestal types and instrument pods, etc. If I recall correctly Edson's basic parts estimate for a CD27 was about $1400.
Briefly, the process entails (1) installing the pedestal which includes adding a serious backing plate to avoid flexing the cockpit floor, as well installation of hardware under the cockpit floor to mount sheaves for the wire rope, (2) you need to cut the rudder shaft so it no longer protrudes through the cockpit floor, and install a cover plate for emergency tiller access (3) you'll need to cut the rudder shaft log off below the cockpit floor to accommodate the quadrant that will attach to the rudder post. The rudder shaft log will need a stuffing box at it is now much lower (although still above the water line I believe.)
There are numerous discussions on this board about whether ot not to convert a CD tiller to wheel. I know you didn't ask that question, but I like to repeat a quote I got off this board: "Wheels are great at selling sailboats, but tillers are better at sailing sailboats."
Having made that controversial statement I would concede that a brand new Edson system would be a major improvement if you truly prefer a wheel.
Bill
goldy@bestweb.net
I went through the whole wheel v. tiller decision process two years ago when I bought my 1980 CD27. I decided to keep the tiller but I can share some thoughts with you.
As a preliminary matter Edson's customer service folks are great and they will almost literally hold your hand through the process. They have a spec sheet for the CD30 (and most other production sailboats) that is worth a thousand words. Get a hold of that from them. They will also give you a parts list with options to consider as well such as pedestal types and instrument pods, etc. If I recall correctly Edson's basic parts estimate for a CD27 was about $1400.
Briefly, the process entails (1) installing the pedestal which includes adding a serious backing plate to avoid flexing the cockpit floor, as well installation of hardware under the cockpit floor to mount sheaves for the wire rope, (2) you need to cut the rudder shaft so it no longer protrudes through the cockpit floor, and install a cover plate for emergency tiller access (3) you'll need to cut the rudder shaft log off below the cockpit floor to accommodate the quadrant that will attach to the rudder post. The rudder shaft log will need a stuffing box at it is now much lower (although still above the water line I believe.)
There are numerous discussions on this board about whether ot not to convert a CD tiller to wheel. I know you didn't ask that question, but I like to repeat a quote I got off this board: "Wheels are great at selling sailboats, but tillers are better at sailing sailboats."
Having made that controversial statement I would concede that a brand new Edson system would be a major improvement if you truly prefer a wheel.
Bill
Rick Wakem wrote: Recently purchased a 1977 CD30 Cutter. We are considering changing over to new Edson Pedestal steering. Has anyone had any experience doing this? Is it as practical and as easy as Edson advertises? What is involved? Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks Rick
goldy@bestweb.net
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Larry DeMers
Re: Edson retrofit
While I have sailed boats with tillers for almost 30 years, there comes a size of boat where the tiller is just plain an affectation rather than a practical device. I believe your boat is at that point now.
Tillers take up the entire cockpit when you tack, and they have little mechanical advantage in big winds, where as the wheel has a decent mechanical advantage, but then makes your 'hand' or 'feel' of the boats movements and weather helm less sensitive..still detectable but muted.
I sailed a Baba 30 with a tiller, and I swore I would never own one again. We were beating in 30+ kn. and 10 fters., and it was all I could do to keep control on that damn tiller. ***There was NO way my wife could have handled that tiller in a tack or tight situation!*** Something to consider.
Finally, as a previous poster has already said..but it bears repeating..the wheel conversion will add additional value to the boat above the actual cost of the modification. I could see a 3-5k difference, all else being equal, and with a buyer that is aware of the difference.
Cheers! and Good Luck!
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~~~Sailing Lake Superior~~~~~~
demers@sgi.com
Tillers take up the entire cockpit when you tack, and they have little mechanical advantage in big winds, where as the wheel has a decent mechanical advantage, but then makes your 'hand' or 'feel' of the boats movements and weather helm less sensitive..still detectable but muted.
I sailed a Baba 30 with a tiller, and I swore I would never own one again. We were beating in 30+ kn. and 10 fters., and it was all I could do to keep control on that damn tiller. ***There was NO way my wife could have handled that tiller in a tack or tight situation!*** Something to consider.
Finally, as a previous poster has already said..but it bears repeating..the wheel conversion will add additional value to the boat above the actual cost of the modification. I could see a 3-5k difference, all else being equal, and with a buyer that is aware of the difference.
Cheers! and Good Luck!
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~~~~Sailing Lake Superior~~~~~~
Bill Goldsmith wrote: Rick:
I went through the whole wheel v. tiller decision process two years ago when I bought my 1980 CD27. I decided to keep the tiller but I can share some thoughts with you.
As a preliminary matter Edson's customer service folks are great and they will almost literally hold your hand through the process. They have a spec sheet for the CD30 (and most other production sailboats) that is worth a thousand words. Get a hold of that from them. They will also give you a parts list with options to consider as well such as pedestal types and instrument pods, etc. If I recall correctly Edson's basic parts estimate for a CD27 was about $1400.
Briefly, the process entails (1) installing the pedestal which includes adding a serious backing plate to avoid flexing the cockpit floor, as well installation of hardware under the cockpit floor to mount sheaves for the wire rope, (2) you need to cut the rudder shaft so it no longer protrudes through the cockpit floor, and install a cover plate for emergency tiller access (3) you'll need to cut the rudder shaft log off below the cockpit floor to accommodate the quadrant that will attach to the rudder post. The rudder shaft log will need a stuffing box at it is now much lower (although still above the water line I believe.)
There are numerous discussions on this board about whether ot not to convert a CD tiller to wheel. I know you didn't ask that question, but I like to repeat a quote I got off this board: "Wheels are great at selling sailboats, but tillers are better at sailing sailboats."
Having made that controversial statement I would concede that a brand new Edson system would be a major improvement if you truly prefer a wheel.
Bill
Rick Wakem wrote: Recently purchased a 1977 CD30 Cutter. We are considering changing over to new Edson Pedestal steering. Has anyone had any experience doing this? Is it as practical and as easy as Edson advertises? What is involved? Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks Rick
demers@sgi.com
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Rick Wakem
Re: Edson retrofit
Thanks for the information,I didnt make myself clear . We already have the original Edson wheel. And are considering installing a new Edson pedestal wheel. We are concerned about the work it would take to change over. The old wheel takes alot of space in cockpit and leaves big holes in cockpit sole and stern seat which will have to be repaired. Thats not a problem its the work down under that worries me. By the way as we are doing alot of work on the fibreglass. We have come to the conclusion that the that the hairline cracks in the gelcoat are caused by poor lay-up of the fiberglass when boat was made.There are many air pockets throughout the lay-up especially around sharp curves. That allowed water to enter through improperly bedded fixtures then freeze or expand. Also weak points around the high spots at traveller that nick up easily allowing water to enter into balsa core . Thanks for the imput I would appreciate any more information about the installation of a new pedestal
Rick Wakem
Loretarick@aol.com
Rick Wakem
Loretarick@aol.com