Had a strange issue. On motor and was accelerating and helm started to shudder violently. Went back to neutral. Tried to motor forward slow and felt like wet blanket on prop. Waited a bit and gently backed up and things "got better". But since then, noticing at about 4.5 to 6.5 knots, still some noticeable helm vibration. Above that and below it feels fine. Backing up feels fine full range of speeds. Inspected cutlass bearing, mount, shaft, prop, and engine alignment. All look aligned and tight and unblemished. Vibration doesn't translate to the engine as viewed at the transmission, or into the hull, just helm. Think alignment is OK. Also don't feel it under sail I don't think but need to check again. Maybe the rudder bearing or sleeve is loose or damaged now(?). No place to pull this out to check it all here. 2 or 3 days sail to houston where I can haul her out. Maybe put in the emergency tiller and see how much play there is by holding the wheel still and trying to move her?
Helm vibration
- Thread starter Believe H46
- Start date
Maybe propwash vibrating rudder at some harmonic sweet spot with loose rudder bearing now after whatever happened? Grasping here.
Is it possible that you picked up a plastic bag or seaweed and backed it off, and now you’re just more sensitive noticing a little harmonic vibration that was always there?
Under sail, there are lateral forces on the rudder that are not there under power. Maybe when turning, those lateral forces might apply. You would notice the vibrations settle out in a turn if that were true.
You've checked out your drive train, what have you done to inspect the steering system? Cables tight, sheeves solid and rust free, etc?
-Chill Will
You've checked out your drive train, what have you done to inspect the steering system? Cables tight, sheeves solid and rust free, etc?
-Chill Will
Next step is check sheaves and cables. Haven't yet. I am more sensitive to noticing it probably...doesn't change it's there tho. Will do more digging in another week
Last edited:
Have a diver look at it or if you are able to check the propeller. I picked up a heavy plastic in the marina with similar experience. I had a diver remove it.
How did you check prop, shaft, cutlass bearing?
I ran over some seaweed once that wrapped around the prop…slowed me down, created vibration and even sailing was slow.
Gnce I got the seaweed off, all was fine.
Greg
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,820