Difficult Wheel Steering

[Bob_S]

Hello all and thanks for any theories or advice based on experience you can give. I have an ’83 Oday 28 with the typical Edson, chain and cable, wheel steering. This is my third season with the boat. When I bought the boat it had been stored inside for 3 years or so. The first season everything with the steering was fine, as expected. Last year, things did seem to be getting a little more stiff but still okay albeit a little more difficult. Earlier this year I did post here in the group asking for info on greasing the rudder post. With all your help I was able to find the remnants of a rotted zerk fitting, replace it, and fill the rudder post with grease until it exited above (under the quadrant) and below at the rudder. As of now, the steering works but it really is way too stiff. The wheel brake is fully off (at least it is screwed out) The chain and cables seem to run freely I can’t find or see anything rubbing against the system or causing friction. Over the winter the rudder did have a few pinholes that did weep a little water so I am assuming the rudder core may be wet. I think I read originally the rudders were designed to be boyant which would take some pressure off of the bearing at the top of the rudder post (if there is one). It seems with the boat in the water though that that would be neutralized to some degree. Anyway, I’m at a loss and looking for ideas for things to check. Has anyone experienced this or similar. Again everything works, just way more difficult than it should be.

Thanks and fair winds…

Bob S.

 

[dlochner]

A few more areas to check.

The chain and axle need to be lubricated. This is done by removing the compass and getting to the guts of the steering system.

The cable should be lightly lubricated with a little motor oil.

There should be 2 idler pulleys below the pedestal. These too need lubrication. Another issue on older boats is the pulley axle developing a flat spot from wear, this can make the steering hard as the flat side prevents the pulley from turning.

On the Edson site there is information on the care and feeding of Edson Steering systems.

Edson Product Support

Find all of Edson Product Support Documents here, weather it is a Manual, Data Sheet, or Steering System Inspection Check List, you will find the appropriate support documents here.

edsonmarine.com

 

[dmax]

Yes, the rudder should be buoyant. It would be good to determine if the its the rudder post or the steering mechanism that is the cause (could be both). Not fun to reach, but you can disconnect the steering cables at the quadrant and then you would know. Next winter, you should drain the rudder thoroughly and seal it up in the spring so it doesn't take in more water. The rudder buoyancy is part of the boat's design.

 

[Bob_S]

Thanks guys.. I will recheck all of the things you've mentioned. Fingers crossed...
Best,
Bob

 

[Mark Maulden]

If you’re on the hard, slack off the cables at the quadrant and see if you can move rudder standing on the ground…

 

[Bob_S]

Thanks Mark - The boat is in the water currently.
Bob

 

[SFS]

I know you said the wheel brake was disengaged, but you may want to check the guts of the autopilot. We had our steering progress from "different" to "resistant" to "stiff" to "I almost can't turn this wheel" in about 4 hours. I checked all of the things mentioned in the posts above, and found nothing. It turned out to be the rubber drive belt inside the autopilot, which moves the wheel. It had lost some teeth, gotten bunched up, and was jamming. I took it out, and the problem was solved. Might be worth a look.