catastrophic steering failure

[Mark Maulden]

Being pretty new to this forum, and back into sailing after 12 yrs, and now on my third S2, I remember my first one being the 9.2C about 30 yrs ago. I had a serious steering failure in the middle of Deception pass. The steering cables go down the pedestal and to turning blocks on hull and then heading aft. My failure was one of these blocks coming off the hull (under tension) and whole steering system went slack. Had to limp to nearest Marina (Skyline) and fortunately they had some glass supplies. Just sharing an experience on this boat. Normally the turning blocks should not be under tension but usually under compression under the cockpit sole which is probably not possible with this boat. Check these blocks for structural integrity.

 

["SevenSundays"]

What year was your 9.2/c?

 

[Mark Maulden]

ahhhh,,,I believe it was a '77

 

[BobM]

Thanks for the info. I have been checking and lubricating my cables, but can't recall if I paid any specific attention to the blocks. I will now do so.

 

[Mark Maulden]

Are your turning blocks on the hull or under the cockpit sole? With an aft cockpit, I would think they're under the cockpit sole which would put the loads under compression and not pull the blocks off. This would put the blocks approx the same waterline height as the quadrant. The center cockpit is higher which I would expect the a different cable design. Would be interesting to know. tnx