I removed the rudder on my O'Day 31 to remove the shaft and prop. After reassembling the rudder and Edson Steering quadrant the question arises as to how tight do you make the steering cables? Right now I have them set so they "twang" when plucked. Is this too tight?
steering cables
- Thread starter Tantallon
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twang may be too tight
I recently pulled my rudder and after re-installation I adjusted the cables. They are tight enough that when I press on them with medium to firm pressure there is about on eighth inch play in any direction. If they are too tight then the bearing and shaft coming off the wheel will have too much side load on it and prematurely wear the steering shaft and bearing. Furthermore it will tend to stretch the links in the chain and will put high loads on all the cable guides. It's not like rigging where a fair amount of tightness is preferred. In the one case there is mechanical movement with directional changes. In the other case there is no movement except for slight flexing of the mast during normal wind loads. I'd back those adjusters off were I you. Good Luck, Mike S/B PitterPat, Lake Huron
I recently pulled my rudder and after re-installation I adjusted the cables. They are tight enough that when I press on them with medium to firm pressure there is about on eighth inch play in any direction. If they are too tight then the bearing and shaft coming off the wheel will have too much side load on it and prematurely wear the steering shaft and bearing. Furthermore it will tend to stretch the links in the chain and will put high loads on all the cable guides. It's not like rigging where a fair amount of tightness is preferred. In the one case there is mechanical movement with directional changes. In the other case there is no movement except for slight flexing of the mast during normal wind loads. I'd back those adjusters off were I you. Good Luck, Mike S/B PitterPat, Lake Huron
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