[C320-list] steering tight

[Jeff Hare]

While this might not be the problem, check to see that your wheel brake isn't stuck.  I find that sometimes the brake handscrew is "unscrewing" from the shaft rather than loosening the brake. 

When you loosen the brake watch carefully to see if the shaft itself is turning. 

-Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: Pat Ireland <cherie320 at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 09:54:21 
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] steering tight

Sean

Thanks for the information on the possible bent rudder stock.  Afraid I'm in
denial on that possibility for awhile.

The steering is tight  through the complete range of motion.  Have not
disconnected the cable, but the rudder does not move freely in the cable
slack as it should if the resistance is in the steering linkage.

It would seem that a llubrication requirement would  built up over time and
we noticed the tightness when we were preparing to dock.

Pat

On Sun, Mar 7, 2010 at 11:39 PM, Sean Kaldor <spkaldor at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hi Pat,
>
> Is Cherie's steering tight throughout the entire range of rudder swing? If
> so, also consider the lubrication of the rudder post in its tube.  One
> idea would be to disconnect the cable from the helm to isolate the rudder...
> that will help determine if the tightness is in the rudder, or in the helm
> controls.
>
> If her steering is tight only after a certain degree of turn, it could be
> (but is hopefully not) the rudder post. I was looking at a boat recently.
> Seller said the steering was fine, but recently became a bit 'tight'. It
> turned fine from about 20 degrees starboard to 20 degrees port, then became
> very tight after that. Topside inspection and diver inspection revealed
> nothing. Had to have it hauled to find out that the rudder post was bent
> very slightly. Hope that isn't the problem...
>
> Sean
> C320 Liberté #499
> San Francisco
>
> - - - - - - -
>
> All-
> The steering on Cherie is very tight.  We are convinced that it was not
> this
> tight before and that something has changed.  We inspected the quadrant and
> found no foreign material jamming it.  The turning pulleys are free, the
> chain and sprocket are free, the autopilot is not dragging, and the brake
> is
> free.  We had a diver check it out several weeks ago and will have him
> check
> it again and check specifically for fishing line or other debris.
>
> Has anyone had a problem with the rudder shaft binding or with any other
> steering failure that appeared to be a rudder dragging?
>
> Any experience or ideas would be appreciated.
>
> Pat Ireland Cherie #801
>