steering cable "burr"

[Ken Heyman]

I was lubing the steering cables recently and following Edson's advice by putting some 30 weight oil on a few pieces of Kleenex. I did detect one tiny burr on the cable which snagged the Kleenex. I'm inclined to replace my cables but would like to wait until haul out. I'll probably by the kit from Edson. --two questions: while it would be best to replace immediately, how much risk of continuing the season with a "small" imperfection? (I can recheck regularly) and does this cable replacement fall into the "do it yourself "category for someone with average skills or best be left to the yard? I know there's some info on our c34 knowedge base & I may also give Edson a call.

Thanks in advance,

Ken

[Stephen Butler]

As a guy that lost his steering (broken cable) in Tampa's main shipping channel, with a container ship bearing down on him, I would highly recommend an immediate cable replacement.  It can be a DIY job, but having a good yard do it will reduce the time and effort to just an hour or so.  The boat does not have to be hauled.  Before replacement, find the root cause for that burr and correct it...most likely an idler pulley not turning, or a cable rub-spot.  Hope this is of help.

[Ken Heyman]

Thanks for the reply. BTW what did you do in the channel---anchor? emergency tiller?

Ken

[Stu Jackson]

While you're at it...check the idler pulleys - the older ones were replaced with a different material as Ron has reported.

[Stephen Butler]

We did the following: 1)radioed the oncoming ship that we had lost steerage, 2)put the trans in neutral and allowed the wind to blow us out of the channel, 3) rigged the emergency tiller (effective with lines running to cleats), 4) found a spot and dropped the hook, and 5)call for a tow boat, and had a beer.  The pilot craft escorting the ship was quickly coming to us and would have rendered assistance to get us out of the channel if we had not taken action.  As it was, the whole episode took no more than 3 to 5 minutes, followed by a 2 hour tow back to the dock, and a $150 yard bill.

[Craig Illman]

Ken - You wouldn't necessarily need to get the replacement cable from Edson. You could remove one of the cables and have it replicated at a rigging shop. The Edson recommended part number specified a longer cable that what's really required for my C34. I think you could safely order a B7, instead of the B9 wire assembly from them.

http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/wheel_conversion/pdfs/S-1165.pdf 

I think I wound up cutting off three feet on each leg. You also should replace the thimbles and wire clamps on the quadrant end. Stu's also correct about checking the idler pulleys. I needed to replace the bronze pins with stainless steel versions.

I'm not sure you could replace the cables without pulling the compass. If the compass bolts are seized, it might take a bit longer than two hours.

Craig

[Ron Hill]

Guys : Everyone should note Craig's post of having to change his idler pins. 
Edson told me and I posted, that they replaced the problematical bronze idler pin starting in 1989!!  Craig's boat is a 1991 so beware and just don't go by the date, but rather inspect yours! 

[Stephen Butler]

The yard repaired ours with a non-Edson cable, which was definitely less money than an Edson replacement.  Same ss cable.  Regarding the removal of the compass, yes, it was necessary and yes, the screws where corroded and need drilling out.  I watched the procedure and the yard simply drilled out the screws in a few minutes...and also placed some lanacoat on the replacements.  I helped the job along with removal and replacement of the back panel, checking the idler pulleys, etc.  The yard suggested and I certainly followed their directions to check the tension on the cable after some time on the water...also to make sure about the locking nuts were tightened.  Hope this helps.

[foursailing]

Ken - If you decide to change them yourself just make sure to check the orientation of the cables - I changed the cables on my old pearson 30, but failed to realize the wires crossed inside the pedestal.   Very embarrassing when the boat was dropped into the water - steered directly back into the dock until I realized what I had done wrong - yard workers got a big kick out of it.  Then had to motor about an hour and a half to my mooring with the steering reversed.  Oh well - it's one of those mistakes you only make once.

[Ken Heyman]

Thanks all for the advice. I  have contacted Edson  and the kit replacement which includes the chain replacement is aprox. 380.00. I called a nearby yard (Larsens Marine) and they estimate 450.00 in labor for the repair. I will likely seek (per your suggestions) a more economical alternative. Regarding the crossed cables at the quadrant----a friend was delivering a new Beneteau (first time leaving the yard after delivery) and right was left & left was right for the same reason. I'm sure that could "never" happen with a new Catalina due to Catalina's extensive pre shipment "check-list" Right? I'm assuming that this was a Beneteau manufacturing burp not an error by the yard(distributor) in preping the boat.

Craig --regarding your incident: great seamanship and quick thinking.

Ken

[Craig Illman]

Ken - Stephen's event, not mine. I would have had soiled shorts.

Craig

[Stephen Butler]

In retrospect, it sounds better/organized than the reality.  After it was over, the beer helped.  An interesting side issue....about 2 minutes into the situation, a tow company lady came onto the radio (guess they monitor 16), asking me to identify myself, the boat, and my USBoat registration number.  I told her (reasonably politely) that I was busy at the moment....then the bridge pilot on the cargo vessel or the pilot boat boat, I do not know which, responded and strongly "suggested' she might want to wait for a better moment to speak with me.  Must add that container ships passing by within 40 to 50 feet appear really big.  Anyway, it all ended well, and a lesson learned about maintaining one's steering system.