Toilet Macerator Blog: Maintaining Your Sailboat Steering System

How to Always Keep Your Sailboat Steering System Going Strong

We located this chafed Dyneema steering cable on a new $700K boat at the US Boat Show. As we pointed out in the November 2018 issue, Dyneema's chafe protection will not be fantastic, and is certainly much worse than wire, which is typically used for this function.

We've addressed the importance of emergency rudders (see "The Hunt is on for a Quality, Well-placed Emergency Rudder," PS November 2008). And we've looked at ways to guide the watercraft utilizing a drogue should the steering stop working.

The sensible approach, of course, is to avoid steering failing to begin with. Like rigging, sails, and hull in- tegrity, steering is among those essen- tial items which needs close monitoring. Here are a couple of things to think about when inspecting your steering system every season, or prior to any long passage.

Tiller - Stainless steel pintles and gud- geons ought to be inspected thoroughly for fractures or corrosion, particularly at welds.

Rack-and-pinion steering-- Inspect the mounting bracket and fasteners for the pinion gear where the steering loads are actually carried.

Worm drive steering-- Corrosion is the most significant opponent here. Positioning is critical when it comes to smooth procedure. Any bind- ing is really reason for concern.

Pull-pull cable steering-- One of the most common form of steering system is also among the more troublesome-- however nearly all of the problems are due to neglect. Inspect cable tension regularly, before, during, and after a lengthy passage. End fittings need close evaluation.

Push-pull cable steering-- Look for any binding or sticking, particularly at the exit point from the conduit. At the sign of any type of difficulty-- cracked conduit or rusty wire, replace the entire cable. Remove the cable for evaluation at least once a year.

Hydraulic steering-- Routinely look for leakages, and appropriate fluid level. Look for chafe on hoses.

This is a very brief view of steering systems, and not every style is covered. For a much more comprehensive look at maintenance check your owner's manual.

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