Hope It's Not Serious

[Lots-a-Knots]

While under sail on our Hunter 260, upon turning (we have a wheel instead of a tiller), there's an OBVIOUS popping and knocking sound under foot at helm consistently each time. All too often, you can actually "feel" the "bump-bump" underneath. Any advice? We're truly grateful!

Thanks! Happy Sailing!
Lots-a-Knots

 

[Bill Murray]

lift off the deck piece and see what is happening - e few screws is usually all that Hunter used to hold it down

 

[Lots-a-Knots]

Got it! Thanks for the quick reply, Bill! A Pleasant Evening to you!
Cilla

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

My two cents' bet is that the cable was jumping the quadrant groove; or else the cable/chain connection is entering the groove when it should be back farther. You don't say if it happens both ways or only when turning one way.

This can be easily adjusted till it breaks; and when it does you are up the proverbial creek with no steering.

 

[Lots-a-Knots]

Thanks Mr/Ms Cherubini for your suggestion of paddling a 26-ft Hunter...not a pretty picture, I might ad (hahaha). We certainly DO appreciate your advice and hope to have the steering problem resolved quickly! Have a Wonderful evening!
Cilla

 

[SamLust]

Your emergency tiller is in the port side cockpit locker. That rusty UFO piece of steel. There is NO quadrant. There is NO simple lift off panel. The "panel" is the majority of the cockpit floor. The cables simply connect to an arm attached to the rudder stem. Most likely there is a loose or mis-aligned wheel at the base of the pedestal. Good luck getting at that. The only way I figured to get at it was to make a hole in the overhead in the aft berth and work overhead laying on my back. I never did it. Sold the boat instead. Life's too short. Love to hear how this one turns out.

 

[Lots-a-Knots]

Hahaha, yeah, that UFO rusty piece looks as if it has NEVER been used, and I hope we're not the ones to break it in. Just now comes to mind, we have a sailing friend in Mississippi who loves a challenge. We'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks for the reply!