[C320-list] Steering Friction

[Dennis Cookson]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, it’s very possible that weather helm has a lot to do with the resistance I’m feeling in stronger winds, and I take your suggestions on board re trimming and balancing the sails. I’ll usually be reefed anyway if the wind is above about 16 knots or gusting heavily. I’ve also overhauled the wheel pilot and replaced the belt. But I have an outstanding question about the rudder system and would like to understand it better. Is there any routine maintenance that should be carried out to ensure it operates as smoothly as possible? So far, I’ve left it alone. It doesn’t seem to have much play when checked on the hard.

Dennis Cookson
Catalina 0577
> 
>> On 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