[C320-list] Steering Friction

[Chris Burti]

Not to hijack this thread, but FWIW, Should anyone need it, I have a rudder
available with a slightly bent shaft (repairable). email me off list to
arrange pick up.

Chris Burti
Farmville, NC



On Tue, Oct 17, 2023 at 1:51 PM Dennis Cookson via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> 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
>
>