Have just completed 3 weeks away in the North Channel of Lake Huron Canada but I am still experiencing stiff steering. This has not got any worse or any better but has been there since I brought the boat last year. I did take off the cover to the steering quadrant and cleaned out about 10 years of birds nest etc but couldn't see anything that would cause the issue.No seized pulleys,good chain and cables. I suspect the upper rudder post bearing as the lower bearing is water lubricated. Any thoughts would be great.
stiff steering 1999 Oceanis 381
- Thread starter terrykiwi
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wheel brake.
I don't meen to offend but in an effort to cover all bases, I must ask if the wheel brake is on or malfunctioning. If not can you diconect cable at rudder post and use the emergency rudder to opperate rudder indipendently from the wheel and vice versa.
Thanks for the reply's, The wheel brake works as it should and the wheel does turn free. The cable pulleys are free and there is no drag from the auto helm. I was told that there may have been a change in regards to the top bearing but i'm not sure. There is no movement in the rudder so no adverse wear. I will try the emergency tiller this weekend so will let you know. I will also remove the cover panel over the quadrant and spray some lube onto the top bearing area and see if that might help.
Same problem with my 361 2004. It starts the day pretty loose and then gets tighter as you go. I'd like to find a solution.
I had a similar problem with my First 38 and I found that my gear in the aft compartment had shifted enough that a garden hose was pressing against the top of the exposed rudder post. Pretty easy to fix!
Is the autopilot power turned on (instrument switch in the cabin)??
The reason I ask is; with mine, if the power to the autopilot is off the wheel turns without any effort when sailing or under power. When I turn on the power to the autopilot (instrument switch in the cabin) it requires more effort to steer( feels Stiff). I believe the clutch assembly in mine may be too tight. Yours may be the same. Just a suggestion.
Good Luck
The reason I ask is; with mine, if the power to the autopilot is off the wheel turns without any effort when sailing or under power. When I turn on the power to the autopilot (instrument switch in the cabin) it requires more effort to steer( feels Stiff). I believe the clutch assembly in mine may be too tight. Yours may be the same. Just a suggestion.
Good Luck
I had similar problems with my Beneteau 361 until I dropped the rudder, scrubed the rudder shaft and both bearings very very well with water paper (starting from slightly rough and finishing with very thin) so they were clean, grease the top bearing and (touch wood) the last 6 months has been perferctly light.
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