I am going to remove the steering cable from the wheel steering pedistal and don't see an easy way to access the cable. Does anyone know how to access the cable or do I need to remove the pedestal? I appreciate any assistance.

Thanks,
Alan
76 Dawson Hull #210

GOOD ON YOU GUYS !I've been avoiding this project, but know I must face it soon, even if only to do a thorough lube of the system.  The steering is awfully heavy as it is !

With my new knee finally getting better, I may be able to try it soon.  I've been worried about getting down in the lazarette, only to be unable to climb back out.

Over the years, there have been a few narratives of how to do this, but I can't find them.  Would anyone care to relate their experience?

Has anyone bought a new wheel steering cable, or done a good clean-up and lube?

I know Bob Dubuque did something with his tiller cable.

Alan, please share your experience.

Herb's access info for the rudder connection is what I had feared.  I have both of the little cabinets out and was trying to avoid removing the big one in the center.  It has never been removed and would require taking out the wooden plugs over the screws.  Not difficult, but the wood all looks so nice now, that I hate to mess it up.
I was hoping that with two folks, one could reach in from each side.  

Last comment.  My best information on this system is that it was made by the Don Allen Company, which went out of business in the late 1970s. Anyone heard of a source of parts ? Edson steering gear is not compatable according to Edson.

Steve Johnson did a complete switch over to EDSON at significant cost. Do remember, that the Parker Dawson series were rigged with EDSON from the factory.



Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270

I had to remove the whole cable assembly and replace it with parts from Edson.  I had to do some modification to these parts, but I ended up with a pull/pull system that works great.  If you need the info on what I ordered from Edson, email me and I'll send you copies of the invoice.  I live 5 minutes from the Edson home in New Bedford, MA, so I was able to visit in person and the staff was very helpful.  The even pulled from their files info on the PD.

Chris Karo
s/v Kimberly Marie
Midship 25
Plymouth MA
~~~~~_/)~~~~~

Josh,  how have you done.

To get to the photos of that project, choose:

gallery, then user albums, Dawson 26 Cockpit recore...

http://www.parkerdawson.com/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=album;id=12

Thanks Herb,

Is your entire boat foam?

In talking to others around here, most manufacturers used unbalanced laminates.  In the case of boats with wheels, this does not bode well for pedestal nuts.  Building up the inside skin should be a requirement for any recores.
Using the vac pump should be considered -- it helped a lot.  Given the keel trunk, you are not really able to support the inside skin and use weights as recommended by others.  If you do not draw the parts together, there is opportunity for never-lams.

-josh