Rudder locked up - O'Day 272LE

[Lou 14643]

I went out for the season's first spin around the harbor yesterday. Engine started up fine after the winter's sleep. Wheel steering on my O'Day 272 LE was a little stiff, but nothing that caused me too much concern, until coming back into the slip when, with the wheel hard over, it locked up. Quick work on the throttle allowed me to stop dead until I could coax it back, but I was not sure if this was something in the linkage at the rudder, although nothing looked frozen or kinked, or a dry or frozen spot in the cable that runs from the wheel to the transom. Anyone expereince anything similar this installation? Thanks.

 

[Vic "Seven"]

have you ever replaced the cables?

nm

 

[Lou 14643]

What about lubrication?

Vic,No,I've just owned the boat for one year. Do these cables usually require replacement?

 

[Vic "Seven"]

Lou All I know is that when I bought #622 ...

the PO had had a steering cable failure and replaced both cables ... Later on I had a tranmission cable break ... Let me tell you that working in that Edson structure the first time is a "real" learning experience ... I think the second time around it will be much easier. I think the estimated safe life on the cables could be 10 years of decent use. Plan on a day to learn how to get the cables out ... a half day to replace them ... and do the boot just becuse. Make notes on what goes where. Someone recently said that they don't make the parts except for the boot anymore ... but the trottle and transmission cables are standards everywhere ... don't get them through Edson. They wanted nearly $80 for something I got for $15 locally.The steering cables probably are also available ... I know Edson was just repackaging the control cables from a cable manufacturer.

 

[Bob Todd]

Vic, I was the one who said...

Edson no longer makes parts for this steering system. They'll only supply the boots until the supply runs out, and BOY! Are THEY pricey! Fifty-bucks a pop!I'm trying to put a steering system together for another 272 owner who wants to convert from a tiller. I have everything except for a couple of brackets.I spoke with Edson a couple of weeks ago and they stated that kits are no longer available, spare parts will no longer be manufactured, and that limited stock on hand will be the end of the line. You'd be hard-pressed to even get them to look up a P/N for you. When you ask they immediately state that they no longer support that steering system.A google search may yield some spares someplace.Cheers,Bob