Whats causing a seized Rudder

[Wackie Jacq]

This is concerning a Catalina 30 1985 sailboat. This February when I was doing work on my boat and getting a survey done, the rudder moved freely. Two months later, after sitting in its usual dock location the rudder is no longer moving except for an inch as if it is seized up. The wheel does not move. The emergency tiller does not move. A diver went down and cleaned what little barnacles were there and he was unable to move the rudder underwater. He changed the zincs and the two original ones were still fine. I am not on the boat currently as with the Corona Virus I am stuck in my home in the US however; my dad who used to own a Catalina 27 and lives nearby has looked at all the components from the wheel to the stuffing to box and finds nothing jamming the mechanism. My husband and I had changed the chain in the wheel pedestal in 2015. So I ask, does anyone have any idea what it could be? We are about 5 nautical miles from the nearest dry dock. Thank you.

 

[NYSail]

Wonder if your wheel brake “froze”? I would start by looking at the quadrant and making sure nothing fell or jammed anything while someone is working the wheel. Then open the pedestal and inspect the chain and brake system. When it moves that slight bit does it feel like it is hitting something or just barely moves?

patience and slowly work you way from quadrant to wheel.....

good luck
Greg

 

[Ron20324]

Maybe a stick jammed in between the rudder and hull?

 

[Wackie Jacq]

Maybe a stick jammed in between the rudder and hull?

Had a diver down to look and nothing is between hull and rudder. But thanks.

 

[Wackie Jacq]

Wonder if your wheel brake “froze”? I would start by looking at the quadrant and making sure nothing fell or jammed anything while someone is working the wheel. Then open the pedestal and inspect the chain and brake system. When it moves that slight bit does it feel like it is hitting something or just barely moves?

patience and slowly work you way from quadrant to wheel.....

good luck
Greg

I will have a look at the break. Is there anything below the stuffing box that could cause seizing?

 

[NYSail]

I can't imagine unless some serious growth, but I would assume that would break away easily.

 

[DougM]

My first suggestion would be the wheel brake on the pedestal is the culprit. Something broken loose between the actuator and the brake itself causing the brake to remain activated even though the actuator appears to function. Could be a simple fix once you get to it.

 

[dmax]

Loosen up the cables to the quadrant and see if the rudder itself is stuck or it's in the steering system - you can use the emergency tiller to turn the rudder from above (good practice anyway).

 

[Wackie Jacq]

Thanks for all your advice. I will work on the above ideas and let you know if we are still stuck. Much appreciated.

 

[MikeHoncho]

with my boat if there is a jamb in the pedestal or its linkage, the emergency tiller will not work due to the jamb. I would have to disconnect the cables from the quadrant.

 

[Wackie Jacq]

with my boat if there is a jamb in the pedestal or its linkage, the emergency tiller will not work due to the jamb. I would have to disconnect the cables from the quadrant.

Yes I thought the emergency tiller would still work so didn't assume pedestal but went straight to shaft and rudder. We will test by loosening the cables. We had the chain break in 2015 under 18 knots of wind and all sails up so I learned quickly to use the emergency tiller. I keep two handles in place for such incidents and let all my guests aboard know where they are. I keep one in the 'drink box' in starboard locker as they will then always remember where it is. One in the lazerette near stuffing box lid.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Yes I thought the emergency tiller would still work so didn't assume pedestal but went straight to shaft and rudder. We will test by loosening the cables. We had the chain break in 2015 under 18 knots of wind and all sails up so I learned quickly to use the emergency tiller. I keep two handles in place for such incidents and let all my guests aboard know where they are. I keep one in the 'drink box' in starboard locker as they will then always remember where it is. One in the lazerette near stuffing box lid.

My pedestal is pretty close to the rudder post limiting the length of the tiller. It make for quiet a workout in strong wind.