Sticky helm?

[TampaChris]

I have a 1995 Hunter 29.5 which is new to me and my first sailboat. I took it out today and had trouble turning to port from the get go. I could turn easily to starboard at all times. When trying to turn to port I really had to force the helm beyond the center point. Once beyond center the helm would free up and turn cleanly the rest of the way to port or back to starboard. Yet every time I would pass dead ahead on a port turn the helm would stick. Stick hard!

I was not prepared to get wet and take a look at the rudder. I took a quick glance from above water and could do nothing more than determine the rudder is there.

Could the rudder be fouled up with growth? The bottom is scheduled to be cleaned in the next week, last cleaning was 2 months ago?

Could there be a crab trap rope caught causing a restriction?

Or my fear, do I have some kind of serious helm rudder cable issue?

Thinking back about our last sail, my wife did have extreme trouble turning to port towards the end of the day. I thought it was just her fighting a strong wind? Maybe not?

I do have an emergency tiller in the event the helm cable breaks. I plan to return to the boat and try to use it. That should help determine if it is a helm issue or rudder issue. Maybe?

Anybody else have any thoughts? How easy of a fix? What is the fix?

Thanks!

 

[TampaChris]

I think I figured it out. Played with the emergency tiller and all worked well. While messing around I could see the pully atop the rudder. I noticed the cable on one side, but not the other. It had come loose and was still working but not around the pulley. Only the shaft. Really hard to turn.... I will pull off the access panel later tonight and all should be well. I hope!