Helm Creaking Noise When Steering

[doublebuffle]

Hey folks,
I've got a 1986 Mk I whose rudder has started making a creaking noise when operating the helm. This happens while under sail, I don't remember if it also happens while under power. I was hoping to get a few more cruises out of it this year before I get it on the hard.
The boat is new to me this year. Is it okay to open up the compartment in the rear cockpit locker? The sound makes me think it is a wire cable that is rubbing on something. Should I even be worried?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Blindnavigator]

Don't ignore it. In the harbor/tied up at the dock have someone work the helm while you go below and make sure sheaves and cables are properly tightened. Take your spout oiler down there and make sure everything is lubricated. Maybe the bushing at the rudder cap needs a shot of grease. Sometimes the bulldog clamps on the cable get turned around and rub on something. Creaking can also be caused by wooden pieces that have been tabbed to the hull and the hull is slightly flexing. Make sure you know where your emergency tiller is, how it attaches, and how it works-might even want to try a slow trial run with the emergency tiller if you haven't already. The steering operation should be silent.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Below is a write up I did on the maintenance of the steering system. It's for a Catalina 310 so some of the access points will be different but the work is the same.

https://svsmitty.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/the-neglected-steering-system/

 

[Capt jgw]

Also check the rudder stuffing box. I had one seize to the rudder shaft once. It also made a creaking noise which turned out to be the hose twisting and spinning on the bearing. Wouldn't have taken long for the hose to split and sink the boat.

 

[doublebuffle]

Also check the rudder stuffing box. I had one seize to the rudder shaft once. It also made a creaking noise which turned out to be the hose twisting and spinning on the bearing. Wouldn't have taken long for the hose to split and sink the boat.

Can you check this with the boat in the water?

 

[doublebuffle]

Below is a write up I did on the maintenance of the steering system. It's for a Catalina 310 so some of the access points will be different but the work is the same.

https://svsmitty.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/the-neglected-steering-system/

Great write up, I'll troubleshoot this tomorrow PM!

 

[Capt jgw]

If

Can you check this with the boat in the water?

If you can get to it. It's similar to the propeller shaft stuffing box. Just watch it as some one turns the wheel. When mine froze I had to haul out and drop the rudder to replace it.

 

[druid]

I had a steering failure on my 1985 Catalina 36. They used what Edson calls a "Pull-pull" system, where the cables are in a conduit. The Trouble was: First, they exceeded (actually I guess the opposite of exceeded...) the minimum curvature of the conduit, and second there was no way to lubricate the cable inside the conduit. There was a squeaking noise sometimes before the failure.
I replaced it with new Pull-pull system, but was careful not to exceed the minimum curvature, and added lubrication points. I had the easiest-steering Catalina around!

If yours has the pull-pull system, consider replacing it.

druid