Follow-up question on steering cable

J

John R

.
Oct 9, 2012
110
Catalina 36 Emeryville
Some time ago, I posted a question under the title "clunking noise from rudder post". After speaking with Catalina, I resolved the issue based on what they told me. But I do have a follow-up question: They told me that I should basically do a rebuild of the steering mechanism, including the bearings and the cable. I don't see any signs of wear (for example, no broken threads in the cable as far as I can see), but of course "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Most especially in the case of the steering assembly. (I'm probably using the wrong term for this, but I hope people will know what I'm referring to.) In other words, is that assembly nearing the end of its useful life, and would you replace it now?
Note: This is a 1998 Catalina 36 that sails mainly in the SF Bay, with a few excursions up and down the coast. Never raced.
 
capta

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
5,072
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Sounds like you won't have any definitive answers until you are hauled out.
 
J

John R

.
Oct 9, 2012
110
Catalina 36 Emeryville
capta said:
Sounds like you won't have any definitive answers until you are hauled out.
Click to expand
The previous issue is definitely fixed. Hauling the boat out wouldn't tell me if I need to replace the cable anyway since that and all the related parts are totally visible from inside, below deck. So, my question remains: Do you replace the cable, etc. as a routine matter, or just if it shows wear? And if it's a routine replacement, how often do you replace it - after how many years?
 
Ken Cross

Ken Cross

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Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
Why would you replace it if it doesn't show wear? Inspection, cleaning, and lube seem prudent.

Ken
 
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capta

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
5,072
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
John R said:
The previous issue is definitely fixed. Hauling the boat out wouldn't tell me if I need to replace the cable anyway since that and all the related parts are totally visible from inside, below deck. So, my question remains: Do you replace the cable, etc. as a routine matter, or just if it shows wear? And if it's a routine replacement, how often do you replace it - after how many years?
Click to expand
If it ain't broke, don't fix it holds pretty true with boats, I've found. That' not to say there aren't problems you can't see, especially with the sheaves. Of course, that doesn't mean to let maintenance slide, as lubrication is very important to a steering system.
 
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D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
13,993
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
A careful inspection of the whole cable and steering system is in order. The axles for the sheaves are a prime source of wear and not visible until they are removed. The section of cable inside the pedestal is impossible to inspect unless the cable is removed.

A few years ago I rebuilt my steering system. In order to fix part of the system that a yard had repaired, it was necessary to take the quadrant off. While taking it apart I found one fish hook in the cable so it was time to replace the cables. While it was apart I replaced the bearings and the wheel brake pads.

If you go the route of a complete rebuild, it is much less expensive to fabricate the cables yourself rather than buy new cables from Edson (if you have an Edson pedestal). For the cost of 1 edson cable, I was able to buy bulk cable and a swaging tool. For a few dollars brake lining can be purchased from an Auto parts store or McMaster. Much cheaper than the Edson version.
 
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LeslieTroyer

LeslieTroyer

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May 20, 2016
3,015
Catalina 36 MK1 94 Everett, WA
Most important thing is to lube the chain and all idlers. If the cable and bearings are ok spend you boat bucks elsewhere.

Les
 
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Tally Ho

Tally Ho

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Jan 7, 2011
5,906
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
John R said:
The previous issue is definitely fixed. Hauling the boat out wouldn't tell me if I need to replace the cable anyway since that and all the related parts are totally visible from inside, below deck. So, my question remains: Do you replace the cable, etc. as a routine matter, or just if it shows wear? And if it's a routine replacement, how often do you replace it - after how many years?
Click to expand
You didn’t say how the first issue was resolved. That might help us understand what else to consider.

But I agree that you should inspect the cable, idlers, etc and the chain in the pedestal. Clean and lubricate. If no issues found with system, don’t replace it.

I assume the noise and clunks have stopped?

Greg
 
J

John R

.
Oct 9, 2012
110
Catalina 36 Emeryville
I did post how the previous issue was resolved. I think that was dated June 18. Basically, I don't see any way how the post could have dropped down. Warren at Catalina agreed with me on that. I have some photos in that earlier reply. And, yes, the clunking noise is gone.

At the time I was having that problem, and also since then, I've checked the entire system and haven't found any problems. I also lubricated everything. So, I guess I'll just go with that and won't plan a rebuild since I didn't see any problems.

Thanks for the suggestions and thoughts.
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,516
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Good decision process and conclusion. Noises happen all the time on a boat. Investigate analyze plan execute . Or leave well enough alone.
 
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