Warren Holybee
Active Member
It's time for a major steering overhaul. The bore that the steering shaft goes through is worn. The housing is aluminum and the bearings are stainless, so the bearings are fine, but the housing us toast.
I spoke at length with edson. The short verdict is that the 335 housing is not meant for the ocean, or more importantly windvane steering. The sideloading of the control line on the steering shaft is more than the design can handle. They suggest an upgrade to a 400 series pedestal, which has stainless steel sleeves for the bearings. Its also larger, so lots needs to be replaced with it.
Not having the budget, they said they can sell me the sleeves from a 400 series pedestal, and a local machine shop should be able to bore the housing and install them. The bearings are the same part.
I expect to have a much better than new pedestal when done.
The sheeves and plate underneath need attention as well. Edson can install bushings in the sheeves cheaper then buying new, and i hope the rest can be cleaned up and powder coated.
I spoke at length with edson. The short verdict is that the 335 housing is not meant for the ocean, or more importantly windvane steering. The sideloading of the control line on the steering shaft is more than the design can handle. They suggest an upgrade to a 400 series pedestal, which has stainless steel sleeves for the bearings. Its also larger, so lots needs to be replaced with it.
Not having the budget, they said they can sell me the sleeves from a 400 series pedestal, and a local machine shop should be able to bore the housing and install them. The bearings are the same part.
I expect to have a much better than new pedestal when done.
The sheeves and plate underneath need attention as well. Edson can install bushings in the sheeves cheaper then buying new, and i hope the rest can be cleaned up and powder coated.