My question is, has anykone had problems with the steering cable breaking with the Edson small boat steering system?
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Not the Steering Cables...
I haven't heard yet of anyone having the cable itself break, although it would be possible, particularly if the cable becomes chafed or has broken strands due to other problems in the steering system, like broken fittings and connections. However, I did have one of the eye bolts connecting the cable end to the sheave on the top of the rudder post break -- it had corroded through. I don't know why you're asking but Edson certainly has a reputation of being reliable. If looking at an older boat with an Edson system I'd suggest a full examination of all fittings, particularly at the base of the pedestal under the cockpit floor and at the eyebolt connections to the rudder post. I found my repair relatively simple and straightforward, with a lot of great support by Edson. Tell us what's behind your question and we can advise further. Mike Turner S/V Amity (C-30)
I haven't heard yet of anyone having the cable itself break, although it would be possible, particularly if the cable becomes chafed or has broken strands due to other problems in the steering system, like broken fittings and connections. However, I did have one of the eye bolts connecting the cable end to the sheave on the top of the rudder post break -- it had corroded through. I don't know why you're asking but Edson certainly has a reputation of being reliable. If looking at an older boat with an Edson system I'd suggest a full examination of all fittings, particularly at the base of the pedestal under the cockpit floor and at the eyebolt connections to the rudder post. I found my repair relatively simple and straightforward, with a lot of great support by Edson. Tell us what's behind your question and we can advise further. Mike Turner S/V Amity (C-30)
Stranded wire
Edson actually recommends that you change the wire every five years! Seemed excessive to me, so only after fifteen years, I removed the cable to look at it. Imagine my shock on finding that the part inside the pedestal had stranded to the point where there were only one or two of the wires still intact! I have never been able to figure out what it got caught on, nor how much longer it would have lasted, but you can bet that inspection of that cable has moved way up on my list of regular chores. Incidentally, all of the visible parts looked perfect (of course), so this was a real surprise. It was an easy replacement, although I reversed the cable and hence the steering direction. Made for an exciting trip back to the slip to make the correcton! This is an easy mistake, by the way, since the cable crosses over.
Edson actually recommends that you change the wire every five years! Seemed excessive to me, so only after fifteen years, I removed the cable to look at it. Imagine my shock on finding that the part inside the pedestal had stranded to the point where there were only one or two of the wires still intact! I have never been able to figure out what it got caught on, nor how much longer it would have lasted, but you can bet that inspection of that cable has moved way up on my list of regular chores. Incidentally, all of the visible parts looked perfect (of course), so this was a real surprise. It was an easy replacement, although I reversed the cable and hence the steering direction. Made for an exciting trip back to the slip to make the correcton! This is an easy mistake, by the way, since the cable crosses over.
Tim, good tip.
I keep mine well lubricated, including the cables, to ward off corrosion. But I tend to not be too thorough when checking, maybe too much reliance on the emergency tiller. I have tested that and recommend everyone know how hard the boat is to steer with it. You should also have a plan for NO rudder.
I keep mine well lubricated, including the cables, to ward off corrosion. But I tend to not be too thorough when checking, maybe too much reliance on the emergency tiller. I have tested that and recommend everyone know how hard the boat is to steer with it. You should also have a plan for NO rudder.
"No-Rudder" plan, Ed
You certainly are right about the cumbersome emergency tiller. Mine would be easier to use if I removed the wheel, which I would certainly do if the steering was out! As for no rudder, I actually have a plan, as yet untested, thank goodness. Some years ago I bought a huge orange roto-molded plastic drogue device called a Sea Squid. It is made in Australia, where I understand it is highly recommended. Minnie's Surplus, in Newport Beach, Californi, got their hands on a huge number of these, and were selling them for ten or fifteen dollars apiece. It is enormous, and supposedly can be dragged on a bridle, and moved side to side as a substitute rudder. Apparently, it will also work as a flopper stopper. It looks something like a rocket, with a large stainless eye on the front. I had just about gotten fed up with the storage room it eats up, when Cruising World did an analysis of what gear worked in the infamous Queen's Birthday Storm.....and guess what was on the magazine cover....A SEA SQUID!! Saved someone's bacon, too. So it still has a place aboard Casual Water, although I hope it creates the umbrella effect, whereby I never have to put it to use for ANYTHING!!
You certainly are right about the cumbersome emergency tiller. Mine would be easier to use if I removed the wheel, which I would certainly do if the steering was out! As for no rudder, I actually have a plan, as yet untested, thank goodness. Some years ago I bought a huge orange roto-molded plastic drogue device called a Sea Squid. It is made in Australia, where I understand it is highly recommended. Minnie's Surplus, in Newport Beach, Californi, got their hands on a huge number of these, and were selling them for ten or fifteen dollars apiece. It is enormous, and supposedly can be dragged on a bridle, and moved side to side as a substitute rudder. Apparently, it will also work as a flopper stopper. It looks something like a rocket, with a large stainless eye on the front. I had just about gotten fed up with the storage room it eats up, when Cruising World did an analysis of what gear worked in the infamous Queen's Birthday Storm.....and guess what was on the magazine cover....A SEA SQUID!! Saved someone's bacon, too. So it still has a place aboard Casual Water, although I hope it creates the umbrella effect, whereby I never have to put it to use for ANYTHING!!
Thanx Tim, for the reminder.
I had seen that article and forgotten. But I have so little storage as it is that I would have to buy or make a "folding" drogue. And we should all practice steering with the sails. One time my rudder got jammed at a right angle when the stop on the quandrant got BEHIND the stop block! I was new to the boat, had no idea what was wrong, was 100' off a stone jetty on a lee shore in four foot waves, dropped anchor for the FIRST time, had non-sailors aboard, and called the Coast Guard! So I am VERY sensitive to steering issues. I threw those shorts away.
I had seen that article and forgotten. But I have so little storage as it is that I would have to buy or make a "folding" drogue. And we should all practice steering with the sails. One time my rudder got jammed at a right angle when the stop on the quandrant got BEHIND the stop block! I was new to the boat, had no idea what was wrong, was 100' off a stone jetty on a lee shore in four foot waves, dropped anchor for the FIRST time, had non-sailors aboard, and called the Coast Guard! So I am VERY sensitive to steering issues. I threw those shorts away.
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