[C320-list] Steering Friction

[Chris Burti]

If there is no aft rake in the mast or if the forestay is a bit too loose,
the C-320 will tend to have too much weather helm which can make steering
difficult above 15 knots. Not likely your problem, but easy to check.

If the rudder tube is wallowed out, it will make steering more difficult as
more lateral pressure is applied by the rudder to the rudder post at higher
speeds. If the rudder moves laterally within the tube when you shake it
back and forth, this is likely your problem.

Fair winds
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC



On Mon, Oct 16, 2023 at 2:41 PM Dennis Cookson via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> 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