tiller/rudder groans

[Justin_NSA]

My tiller/rudder makes groaning or creaking sounds in high winds when I tack. I tried lubricating the point where the vertical "rod" connected to the tiller passes thru the hole in the stern but it doesn't help.By design the metal tube rubs the fiberglass hole and I think that is causing the noise. Anyone else hear this on their boat? Would a close tolerance bronze bushing or something help?

 

[sailorsue]

Pam (not Spam)

HI Justin, we too had the "creaking sound"along with a friend that has a Mac 26M.My husband kept saying, we need to remember tobring a lubricant spray for the place the metaltube runs through the fiberglass....I went below and got my can of Pam spray outof the kitchen supplies......I sprayed it thatday and haven't heard it since......I know itis a bit unconventional, but it worked!

 

[Justin_NSA]

I'll try it

Thanks Sue, I'll try it. We need some in our cooking/camping equipment anyway.

 

[Capt. Kermie]

Tiller Groans?

On my 26M it was getting so loud and annoying that I wanted to scuttle the whole boat. I went below and lubricated every moving part and even sprayed the SS bar that penetrates the fiberglass where I believe the squeaking originated. My next plan is to replace the ringding with a quick release pin so that I can disconnect the engine while sailing, this would put an end to the sqeaking at least while sailing in the quiet times without engine, I think it is the weight of the engine pushing that SS rod through the fiberglass that makes it so loud. Just have to hope I remember to reconnect the engine when I start it. The cooking spray sounds good too, but would it deteriorate the rubber boot?

 

[Steve Paul]

Plumber's silicone grease

Try some plumbing silicone grease. Real cheap in a small tube or plastic case. Keep it on the boat for other uses too. Do not use it in place of cooking spray, it makes the hot cakes taste really bad!I think the grease will last a lot longer and it won't affect the rubber boot.Steve

 

[sailorsue]

Rubber boot?

I don't know what rubber boot you're speakingof, I sprayed the metal rod where it comesthrough the fiberglass and the sound stopped.

 

[Capt. Kermie]

Rubber Boot

There is a Rubber Boot around the opening where all the engine cables & throttle cables extrude through. After looking at the engine well again I see it is only around those cables and not the steering rod. I wrongly assumed there was the same boot around the steering rod also. Sorry for the confusion.