.steering linkage
steering linkage
Hello to the forum. I am a new sailor and own a 1998 26X. Today while backing from the dock I had difficulty steering with the motor--had to apply a little pressure and something snapped. Lost any control of the boat and had to be creative to get back to the dock. I looked high and low but could not find the problem though i assume is linkage related and likely a cable. Can anyone help with thoughts on the repair as she is now out of service .
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Retcoastie
- Captain
- Posts: 673
- Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:00 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Gray Hawk, Kentucky 2002 X "Last Flight"
Re: steering linkage
Hello new sailor. Welcome to the forum. I just went thru a steering rehab on an 02 
. I have the Detmar. You probably have the same.
A little more information would help in suggesting a possible repair. After the snap and loss of control, what did you see? Did the steering wheel turn? freely? Did the cable coming out of the starboard side of the cockpit move any? Was the bracket holding the cable to the side of the boat still attached? If you disconnected the steering cable from the bar going to the rudders, do the rudders move freely?
Ken
. I have the Detmar. You probably have the same.A little more information would help in suggesting a possible repair. After the snap and loss of control, what did you see? Did the steering wheel turn? freely? Did the cable coming out of the starboard side of the cockpit move any? Was the bracket holding the cable to the side of the boat still attached? If you disconnected the steering cable from the bar going to the rudders, do the rudders move freely?
Ken
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Kilblaan
- Just Enlisted
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:06 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada - 2001 26X, Honda 50hp
Re: steering linkage
I'm also a new owner of a 2001 26X with very stiff steering
Having looked at all the numerous threads on this subject and after regreasing both ends of the steering system with negligible improvement, I have ordered a new rack & pinion steering system vs one day having the same thing happen to me
It seems most people have gone with the Teleflex The Rack, but I got the impression from a number of postings that the Uflex Racktech may be better quality. Though my original Detmar cable seems to be 8' I've decided to go with a 10' cable and allow wider cable bends.
Since having disected both ends of the steering system I'm quite confident that the new install will be very easy
Having looked at all the numerous threads on this subject and after regreasing both ends of the steering system with negligible improvement, I have ordered a new rack & pinion steering system vs one day having the same thing happen to me
It seems most people have gone with the Teleflex The Rack, but I got the impression from a number of postings that the Uflex Racktech may be better quality. Though my original Detmar cable seems to be 8' I've decided to go with a 10' cable and allow wider cable bends.
Since having disected both ends of the steering system I'm quite confident that the new install will be very easy
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Rob S
- Deckhand
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:04 pm
- Sailboat: Venture 25
- Location: Ohio River, Kentucky
Re: steering linkage
I recently installed a 10 foot one of these....
http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Teleflex ... Mount.html
into my '02 .
Good fit, easy install, works well. Steering very light and smooth now, I hadn't realized how bad the old one had been getting, I'm sure it would have seized up this year had I not changed it.
The only problem I had was with the thru-bulkhead rubber boot. I had to cut the old one off and improvised with something different for some other boat that worked out fine in the end.
http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Teleflex ... Mount.html
into my '02
.Good fit, easy install, works well. Steering very light and smooth now, I hadn't realized how bad the old one had been getting, I'm sure it would have seized up this year had I not changed it.
The only problem I had was with the thru-bulkhead rubber boot. I had to cut the old one off and improvised with something different for some other boat that worked out fine in the end.