Steering cable failure.

[jimcleary]

During our last weekend cruise before the boat gets put up for the winter here in New York, one of our steering cables failed. Not a bad run of 47 years on the original Orion gear. The autopilot was able to get us home. I have removed the pedestal from the boat only to find that one of the conduits housing the cables has frozen solid. Edson has a replacement conduit but their end fittings are not compatible with the Orion system. Has anyone had a similar problem, and if so, found a solution that doesn't involve too many boat bucks?

Jim Cleary
Dana, 1978 382, Hull # 53

 

[Warren Holybee]

I have the Edson system that doesn't use conduits. Not familiar with the Orion system, why does it need conduits? The quadrant is only 2 feet away in a strait line. Bear with me as I think to myself, out loud on the computer screen.

Given Orion parts are basically non-existent, and that other steering components are probably due to fail, how about a used Edson unit retrofit? And you have time since you are hauled for the winter now. The Ritchie compass alone on this one is with the price, and it also includes the newer idler system with a heavy aluminum plate instead of the steel plate all of us Edson owners need(ed) to replace. It probably needs a service kit and brake pad kit, but looks in pretty great shape. If the cables need replaced, replace them with Dyneema.

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Looking at these systems more, I think I see the critical difference. The Orion uses a true quadrant, that is only a 1/4 circle. The Edson uses a radial unit that is a full circle. With a quadrant, you can't run a cable straight to the pedestal. Is that the difference? Maybe then all you need is the Radial unit, and you can keep the Orion pedestal but use an Edson style cable system?

Good luck. I am sure you will find a solution.

 

[john english]

Edson makes a conduit repair/ grease fitting. I cut my cables and conduit using them 30 years ago, They are still available.