Stuck steering mechanism.

[Joe Umali]

I am in the Philippines and I own a MacGregor 26 X (Hull No. 09521697) which I bought from a previous owner here in the Philippines. Firstly, I'd like to know if somebody, on the basis of its hull number, can give me the year it was built. Secondly, Its steering mechanism is stuck and perhaps somebody may be able to help solve the problem. Viewing it from the rear, the rod on the starboard side that protrudes from the tilt tube is stuck. I believe this should freely move in and out of the tilt tube as the wheel is turned to control the movements of the entire linkage and thus maneuver the 2 rudders and the 55 hp outboard between them in a synchronized manner. The rod at the opposite (port) side which is connected to the cable coming from the wheel seem to be detached from the stuck rod.

If anybody had the same problem previously, perhaps he can advise me on how to solve the problem. And should it require consultation from a servicing company and replacing some parts, I'd like to know where considering that the MacGregor company has evolved into Tattoo Yacht.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

boat is a 97, based on serial number..

based on you description, I would assume you have the teleflex steering system, and its frozen. you might have luck heating it up with hot water, or a heat gun, and tapping the rod with a brass hammer.

otherwise replacement of the cable is probably required. in my experience they last around 3 years if maintained. less if not lubed, or neglected.

you might try macgregor-sailors.com for more x and m owners.

GL!

 

[finding41]

Something similar happened to a friend of mines steering on his Mac26X.
The solution is just replace the cable.

 

[flatout2012]

Stuck Steering

I had a similar problem on my 26X, I got it home by disconnecting the steering rod and steering via a paddle lashed to one of the rudders in the upright position.
I repaired mine by completely removing the cable from the boat and hung it in upright position.
I put a funnel of oil over the top end of the cable and a bucket under the bottom. Keep filling the funnel and after a few days it freed up and has been better than ever since then.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

if it were my new boat, and I was planning on keeping it over 5 years, I'd bite the bullet and switch over to hydraulic. about 4x the cost of a new cable, but almost trouble free.

in fresh water, I'd just replace cables and do regular maintenance with marine grease.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

A friend of ours had the ring gear break on his X (original Morse steering box). Replaced the steering unit and cable but learned a few things in the process that might help you.

First off, I can get the tele flex part number if you want to order it from a regular Marine dealer and not pay twice that to get it from a Mac dealer. Mac dealers just order them from the marine dealer and mark it up.

The teleflex is not a direct replacement. You will have to modify the pedistal so it mounts 2 inches lower. Just extending the hole but you will have a space at the top that the trim ring will not cover.

There is a U flex replacement ( don't have the number for that one) and it is a drop in replacement - no surgery required. My friend would have used the U flex unit if he knew about it at the time.

BTW not sure where you are but avoid Dowsar Marine in Hamilton Ontario. They not only didn't tell my friend about the surgery required to mount the teleflex but didn't tell him about the U flex option. And - we were on vacation, stuck in a slip (at $50 a day) and they sent it 9 day parcel post instead of overnight. My friend lost most of his vacation, spent hundreds in slip fees and paid 50% more for the part that he could have had locally in a day.

Chris