Update on "Popped the Wheel Cable"

[Gerry Libertelli]

Hi Again,Just an update on my Edson steering post from last weekend. I took the Persistence to Bill Lockwood of Lockwood Boat Works. Here in NJ, Bill and his team are considered to be the absolute best of the best in Sailboat repair, development, and upgrading.Bill discovered that there were two aluminium rods that extend from the steering mechanism to the rudder (you were right on the money Mike). However my situation was a bit different than the more common ball joint disconnect. In my situation the actual aluminium rod just crumbled. Bill suggested that we replace these rods with stainless steel ones that can withstand up to 6000 psi. Ultimately, a better situation altogether for heavy weather sailing. I think it appropriate to ask for folks this has happened to. Aluminium, while light, can be unstable in stress situations. Edson told us that this has only happened on one other vessel in Puerto Rico, but I have been getting lots of email from folks who have had the same problems. Anyone?Gerrys/v PersistenceJersey City, NJ

 

[Robert Dean]

Need Info

Greg,Prehaps your boat yard could help with my problem.I have a Hunter 35 with a walk through stern.The installed AutoHelm 6000 auto helm has the working push/pull controll arm that is attached to the servo fed into the walk through area to push/pull on the rudder post. The rubber or neoprean (?) cover to this controll arm has seem better days. As a result water leaks into the lazarett from this installation.Do you think that the people at the best boat yard in NJ would know where get a replacement. The people around here are not quite sure.Do you have their phone number ??Thanks,Bob Dean

 

[Gerry Libertelli]

RE: Need Info

Lockwood Boat Works Web Sitehttp://www.lbwinc.com/index.htmGerry

 

[Bob Knott]

Where to Look?

Gery,I have hull #506 of the 380's so mine is one of the original's. Though I haven't had any problems I will check today when I'm on the boat. For inspection purposes, are these aluminum rods right under the cockpit flooring? I'm wondering if your damage was found by accessing and lifting the cockpit rear piece under the swing helmsman seat, or by going in the rear berth and removing a panel?Just curious where the actual rods (s) were that you had problems with. At any rate I'll check my whole system and let you know if I find any metal deterioration.Bob KnottH380

 

[Paul Bednarzyk]

Steering gear

Bob, The entire steering linkage is accesseed by removing the cockpit sole panel just aft of the helm station. I think there are a total of 8 screws to remove and the panel just slides out. The "well" containing the steering linkage is contained in is a molded pan and not accessible from below. This is the same area where the rudder angle indicator for your autopilot is located. I hope you've had a good summer, we're just trying to stay dry. This haas been the 5th rainy weekend in a row (groan). Paul BednarzykS/V Knot Again

 

[Gerry Libertelli]

Yep, Just behind the helm

Hi Bob,Yep just unscrew the deck behind the helm, and slide out the panel. You will find the struts there.Interested in what you find..... The yard had to fit new stainless struts on my 380. The ones we got from Edson were too short, so we had to fashion a fitting to make up the difference.Gerry

 

[LUIS RODRIGUEZ]

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

It's happenin! My aluminum rod disconnected from the ball joint at the base of the steering mechanism just as we were entering the marina.(we dropped the hook immediatly). We fixed the problem by installing large washers so that the ball joint would not disconnect again. Afterward our dealer replaced what I believe was a new rod or the bushing inside the rod (not sure)that the factory provided. But we retained the washers in place anyway. Have not had any problem afterwards. My buddy has a 380 and eventhough he hasn't had this problem, our dealer also corrected the problem, and also intalled the washers.LuisS/V Picante V