Was sailing this last weekend in a good strong wind and medium surge...it was great. In the last few hours i noticed that the steering was getting worst and worst. When I returned to the dock I discovered that the steering wheel was messed up. Instead of moving an inch or two before the ruddwer reacted ...it is almost a full turn of the wheel before any reaction. Have not had the oppertunity to do any detail cjheck as of yet, but will attack this weekend. The boat is a catalina 30 1981 vintage, the rudder was replaced 5 years ago. Question: could this be as simple as a stretched cable, or if not what should i be looking for? thanks...bob
steering problems
- Thread starter bobcat17801
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Trace the Linkage
Bob, I'm not sure about the exact steering linkage on your boat. However, the wheel probably turns a sprocket inside your steering pedestal. A chain like a bike chain runs over the teeth on the sprocket. The chain should be attached on each end to a cable that runs around a sheave (pulley) that re-routes the cable back to a quadrant where the aft end of the cable attaches. When the quadrant turns, the rudder will turn if it's properly secured. It appears something in that linkage is loose or fouled. I would suggest starting with the quadrant and work your way back up into the steering pedestal. Good luck. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Bob, I'm not sure about the exact steering linkage on your boat. However, the wheel probably turns a sprocket inside your steering pedestal. A chain like a bike chain runs over the teeth on the sprocket. The chain should be attached on each end to a cable that runs around a sheave (pulley) that re-routes the cable back to a quadrant where the aft end of the cable attaches. When the quadrant turns, the rudder will turn if it's properly secured. It appears something in that linkage is loose or fouled. I would suggest starting with the quadrant and work your way back up into the steering pedestal. Good luck. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Ck the set screws as well
On a chain drive system there are two set screws locking the shaft to the sprocket. They can work themselves loose. If they do loosen enough it could allow the key between the sprocket and shaft to move out of position or even drop out. The end result would be the wheel turns but doesn't drive the rudder. There would potentially be enough friction to get some movement but also a lot of slippage. Not sure that's your problem but it's something to look at. It shouldn't take long to figure out your problem and hopefully it will take a cheap and easy fix to make it right again. Good luck
On a chain drive system there are two set screws locking the shaft to the sprocket. They can work themselves loose. If they do loosen enough it could allow the key between the sprocket and shaft to move out of position or even drop out. The end result would be the wheel turns but doesn't drive the rudder. There would potentially be enough friction to get some movement but also a lot of slippage. Not sure that's your problem but it's something to look at. It shouldn't take long to figure out your problem and hopefully it will take a cheap and easy fix to make it right again. Good luck
Edson web site
Has some good illustrations that show how the systems work. Might want to start there before you get into on board
Has some good illustrations that show how the systems work. Might want to start there before you get into on board
The cable came off the quadrant
If you let the cables get loose the cable itself will fall off the shaft quadrant. You will still be able to make the rudder move but not accurately enough to sail the boat. Pretty easy to fix, just put the cable back on after loosening up the ends on the quadrant and then tighten up everything so you have 0 slack. you don't want the cables real tight just enough to get the play out.
If you let the cables get loose the cable itself will fall off the shaft quadrant. You will still be able to make the rudder move but not accurately enough to sail the boat. Pretty easy to fix, just put the cable back on after loosening up the ends on the quadrant and then tighten up everything so you have 0 slack. you don't want the cables real tight just enough to get the play out.
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