Well in the process of cleaning and sealing cables after new shifter and throttle cable install. While there decided to inspect steering cables and such. Found d where the previous owner had installed a metal strap on the steering quadrant. Not even stainless but bare metal. Well that has given away and the unit is cracked along one half. The strap was located where it could not be seen. Never noticed a concern in the steering. But as you move wheel the unit flexes up and the crack opens wider. Was a blessings that I was in that area. In the process of trying to locate another unit. It is a edson unit.. Question does the boat have to be out on hard or can I support the rudder shaft up and change in water. Will post pictures later. Word of advice inspect steering at least every 6 mts. Not only on top but inspect bottom side of unit.
Steering guardant crack.
- Thread starter cajon409
- Start date
H430
IMHO many of the Hunter rudders were built by Foss Foam and should float. As a precaution I would assume no buoyancy. Cracks can lead to complete failure, so good thing you spotted it. Our boat has a separate steering arm beneath the quadrant for the Autohelm steering system, which would help keep it in place while I replaced the quadrant.
I check our Edson steering system regularly and lubricate the sheaves and cables. Very robust, high quality, smooth and reliable system. I had to replace a pair of broken plastic cable guides awhile back; minor. They were broken by either the PO or whoever installed the lower battery box.
Look forward to the pictures. Please let us know the outcome.
IMHO many of the Hunter rudders were built by Foss Foam and should float. As a precaution I would assume no buoyancy. Cracks can lead to complete failure, so good thing you spotted it. Our boat has a separate steering arm beneath the quadrant for the Autohelm steering system, which would help keep it in place while I replaced the quadrant.
I check our Edson steering system regularly and lubricate the sheaves and cables. Very robust, high quality, smooth and reliable system. I had to replace a pair of broken plastic cable guides awhile back; minor. They were broken by either the PO or whoever installed the lower battery box.
Look forward to the pictures. Please let us know the outcome.
At the boat this a/m taking shaft measurement, step on the center noticed the unit went down approximately 1/2 in and floated right back up. Your right will tread lightly. Took pictures, will post tonight. Thank you for your reply.
This past weekend installed the new quadrant wheel that I ordered from Edson, from the time I contact them to the time I received it was 3 days, will do business with them again. Also had to repair the glass where the stop hits. Inspected the cables and found one meat hook ,replaced those, this weekend will finish the cable hook up. Picked up another wheel on ebay, if someone needs one ,will post in classified. Will post photos later today. Well on to the next chore.
