440: Steering

[la Scandell]

Hi
We have purchased a 2004 lagoon 440, cannot lock the wheel midship when reversing the wheel will turn. I believe there is a clutch system inside has onions had similar problem and how was the fix done

Cheers

[Blc7]

I think it's a Lagoon thing. I have a 420 and wish I could lock the wheel in position. I'll be interested in seeing if anyone has any ideas.

[Two Drifters]

Hey I have seen this on a 2006 440 as well, I think the clutch goes with time.

Saw a neat fix which involved a big stainless hinge mounted on behind the wheel. On won side of the hinge was a half circle. When folded out this half circle would catch the wheel spoke and hold the wheel in place.

Does that make sense?? if not I can try to knock up a drawing.

[2Ripples]

Did a seatrial of a 440 - curious, I found the helm to be very stiff during the sail (20 knot winds, speed of ~ 7 knots upwind), but in marina was not too bad, but still more stiff than I have experienced on other catamarans.

One can argue that the longer cable runs from the raised helm to the rudders causes this, but would like to hear from other 440 owners whether a stiff helm when sailing is the norm, or should I be looking at something else ?

Boat survey report being finalized, so I still have time to note this issue and try to get it resolved.
Thks for your inputs.

[2Wind]

I would have to say that i have always felt that the steering was particularly heavy, especially when to windward. Would not be keen to hand steer for hours on end....