[C320-list] Steering Friction

[Dennis Cookson]

I replaced the helm wheel chain and cable on our 1999 boat a year or two ago, and have tinkered with the cable tension since to optimise control and sensitivity without over-tightening as per the Edson guide, but I’m not completely satisfied with it. In light winds the helm wheel rotates fairly smoothly, though with a slight load, but in stronger winds when the boat is heeling I find that the wheel is much stiffer in one direction than the other and requires more effort than the wheel auto helm can reliably provide.  Is this normal? I guess that there is friction in the rudder post and sleeve - should it be lubricated, and if so, how?  Or could the bearings for the helm wheel shaft need replacement?

How does your boat handle with 15 knots of wind and above?  Any comments/advice much appreciated.

Dennis Cookson
Catalina 0577