Rudder Noise on Starboard Tack

[Scottag]

My boat is a 1992 Beneteau First 310. She is moored and sailed in and around Atlantic City, NJ. I have owned the boat for two years and the prior owner was the original owner. His maintenance of the boat was outstanding by my judgment and that of the surveyor. This year, I have noticed a kind of groaning noise and a vibration emanating from the rudder shaft, up through the helm when I am close hauled on a starboard tack. No such problem on other tacks or reaches. Is there some maintenance/lubrication that needs to be performed on the rudder shaft or helm to quiet this noise? Is there a regular maintenance routine on the steering apparatus that I should be performing? As you might be able to tell by this question, I am new to owning a sailboat of this size. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Gunni]

Have you pulled off the steering system access plates and covers for an inspection? You will be looking for worn cables, chain spockets, and sheaves, loose fittings and dry bearings. Make things just snug and run the wheel back and forth to see if you can get the sound/feeling to stop. Inspect the quadrant to rudder stock attachment. You should also be able to see the pin and and bearing ring that trap the rudder stock and hold the rudder in the boat (below the quadrant). If that doesn't resolve it you will be going for a swim to check the rudder motion, attachment, and clearance. Everything should be smooth, so you are right to be concerned.

We do this inspection yearly.

 

[Scottag]

Thanks. I will do this straight away. Do you have preferred lubricant for this application?

 

[Gunni]

Boeshield for cables, threads, and sheaves. Marine grease for chain and sprockets.