This is probably a task that has never been undertaken before. My boat is suffering from core failure in the cockpit so it is my intention to remove the upper layer of fiberglass ( the cockpit sole) and re core it. I will also fit two watertight hatches to afford greater access to the engine. To do this I must remove the helm completely.
Please advise on the problems I may face if I relocate the helm 6-10 inches aft of its present position.
Pro's : more space in the cockpit forward of the helm, more room to fit a table, a wheel which is easier to reach when sitting on the lazerette hatch.
Con's : reconfigure the cables, are the angles workable with the quadrent.
My experience with Edson has been excellent when it comes to technical assistance. I would give them a call and see what they have to say.
Dale
+1 to Maruska's advice. Edson has the best customer service. Knowledgeable and responsive.
I would have preferred the helm to be 6 inches further aft for comfort while helming the boat.
It would be interesting to see how you designed hatches that would be water tight and retain the strength of the sole. If you do this, please pot it up with pictures?
Here's an out of the box line of thinking regarding sailboat steering. I have below the deck electric hydraulic steering that bypasses the Edson wheel system, quadrant and steering cables. It turns the rudder via a dedicated tiller arm.
After adding a NMEA based course computer and a Wi-Fi to NMEA interface from Madman Electronics I can now steer the boat from any onboard location using the Apple iSteer iPhone app. Madman also provides wireless key fobs for steering that are on my life jackets. Conceivable I could fall overboard and disengage the autopilot from the water and swim to the boat after it rounds up.
I can see Joysticks being used on sailboats as the manual override to autopilot systems and as the trend toward fully electronic helms that will replace cables and hydraulic lines continues. The Edson system could be replaced by an electronic wheel that can be mounted anywhere. This hardware exists in the power boat industry.
Pete SV Tartanic