I think the only complaints about the original LF38 fuel tank is the fact that it was built too thin (0.090 inches--even the mfgr's std is now thicker) and the difficulty of replacement. However, if it was made thicker to begin with no one would be replacing them between 20 and 30 years of age.
I couldn't do the cruising I have ahead of me with only 16 gallons. In fact, I've ripped out my holding tank and replaced it with a 19-gallon secondary fuel tank. So, now I have 51 gallons of diesel. Bob Boyer S/V Rainy Days (1983 C&C Landfall 38 - Hull #230) Blog: dainyrays.blogspot.com Email: dainyr...@icloud.com Annapolis, MD (presently in Baltimore) > On May 31, 2016, at 2:25 PM, Patrick Davin via CnC-List > <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > > Yes but if your LF38 has no fuel tank under the radial drive, as on mine, > then there is room for a tiller arm I believe. A prior owner removed the > original tank and installed a 16g one in the bottom of the stbd lazarette. > Eventually I may need more fuel capacity and might have to reconsider the > below steering spot, but given how many people complain about that fuel tank > I think it's a blessing to have it gone from there. > > Next year I may consider a below decks autopilot, so it's nice to have more > options. Since I recently replaced the Edson radial drive while dropping the > rudder, I've been up close down there quite a bit ( > https://svviolethour.com/2016/05/03/this-years-haul-out-dropping-the-rudder/ > ). There's about 3-4" of exposed rudder stock below the radial drive, with a > 1/4" keyway that entire length. However since the radial drive is concave > downwards, a tiller arm wouldn't be able to use all of that height-wise - > maybe only 1-2". I *think* it would be enough, but the angles would still be > tricky. > > While researching the radial drive I came across this post where a Catalina > owner had his Edson radial drive shatter while sailing: > https://www.catalina36.org/forum/technical-discussion/radial-disk-shattered > He didn't have an autopilot on it, but was missing the two outer screws which > help align the circumference of the disk (maybe contributed, maybe not). > > Bob's tiller arm is mounted to the fwd rudder stop platform of the radial > drive (there's one on each end, the aft one has the rudder stop). That seems > like a better place than randomly drilling through the middle (disc portion) > of the drive - at least it's designed to take some shock loads. > > Other threads on this: > http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/55443-autopilot-drive-mounting-question.html > http://themarineinstallersrant.blogspot.com/2010/06/you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-and.html > > -Patrick > 1984 C&C LF38 > Seattle, WA > >> On Tue, May 31, 2016 at 10:18 AM, <cnc-list-requ...@cnc-list.com> wrote: >> From: Frederick G Street <f...@postaudio.net> >> To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com >> Cc: >> Date: Tue, 31 May 2016 12:18:07 -0500 >> Subject: Re: Stus-List Installing linear autohelm on LF38 >> Chuck and all — the steering configuration belowdecks on the Landfall 38s >> cannot support a tiller arm. The quadrant is directly below the cockpit >> sole, and directly above the fuel tank. There simply is no room for >> anything on the rudder post. Wal Bryant got a good photo of this area when >> he redid his steering system; I’ve taken the liberty (thanks, Wal!) of >> reposting one of his photos on my web server at >> www.postaudio.net/webserver/LF38steering.jpg. Looking past the smiley face >> that Wal spray-painted on his new fuel tank, you can see just how tight >> everything is back there. >> >> In virtually all of the autopilot installations I’ve seen where the drive is >> attached directly to the quadrant, the attachment has been strengthened with >> metal plates on one or both sides of the quadrant wheel; this includes Bob >> Boyer’s setup, which he emailed me photos of. Bob, I hope it’s okay for me >> to take the liberty again of posting one of these photos at >> http://www.postaudio.net/webserver/LF38steering2.jpg. >> >> And Chuck, yes I have been involved in using Octopus hydraulic linear drives >> in autopilot installations; I like their tough dependability and strength, >> and the fact that they only have a few moving parts. One of their downsides >> in limited spaces, though, is the fact that the actuator rod sticks out the >> back of the drive a fair amount when the drive is at the short limit of >> travel; this can cause issues with structure nearby, limiting where and how >> you can mount the drive. >> >> In any case, there simply isn’t a good spot (really, ANY spot) to mount a >> tiller arm on the LF38. >> >> — Fred >> >> Fred Street -- Minneapolis >> S/V Oceanis (1979 C&C Landfall 38) -- Bayfield, WI > > > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like > what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions > are greatly appreciated!
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