I have recently purchased an O'Day 272LE and there is a lot of play in the wheel. One of the problems are the gudgeon pins on the rudder which move in the gudgeons when sailing. The cable also probably needs tightening. Does anyone know where to get replacements and what is involved.
Replacing gudgeons and gudgeon pins on O'Day 272LE
- Thread starter andyjeff
- Start date
Here's a link to a competitor that offers the pintles and gudgeons:
http://www.drmarine.com/products.asp?cat=203
http://www.drmarine.com/products.asp?cat=203
I have a 272LE also. I was able to adjust some of the play out of the wheel at the actuator inside the transom. There are white threaded nylon cable tension adjusters on the actuator. I hope that you are a small person because it is very uncomfortable fitting between the water heater and the stern of the boat but once you are in there it is quite easy. You may want to add some teflon grease to the white nylon fitting while you are in there. If there is not any play that can be removed from the nylon tension adjuster, then you can remove slack from the wire cable itself on the actuator.
You should also consider replacing the cables. Edson recommends doing that every 5 years or so (I forget exactly, but about 5). Having said that, I was able to tighten up the cables on my LE which made a huge difference. It is tight getting in and out of there, but a straightforward job.
I have a lot of play in the steering on my O'Day 272LE. Does anyone have a diagram or photo of the setup. What tools are needed to tighten the cables?
I will try to get a picture for you in the next couple of days. You will only need a couple of medium sized adjustable wrenches. The actuator arm assembly that is mounted to the transom has an adjustable white nylon fitting on each side. The two cables coming from your pedestal go to the right and left side of the cast aluminum actuator housing are inside the white nylon fittings. The nylon fitting has a locknut to hold the setting. Simply back the nylon screw fitting out until you do not have any play in the bronze steering arm that exits the back of your boat and tighten the locknut to hold the adjustment. This is a super simple and easy adjustment. The hardest part is just fitting in the space where it is located. Peep down into the back your locker with a flashlight and you will see what I am referring to.
Like I said a year or so ago, it's possible that the cables have stretched over time that they can't be adjusted anymore. if that's the case, you'll have to replace them. Hopefully, you will be able to snug them up though.