1997 26X Steering

Hudini · Post by **Hudini** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 5:58 pm

Fellow Sailors,

I just purchased this boat. I went sailing off the coast of San Diego in a pretty stiff breeze and the steering got very hard and eventually broke somewhere in the steering mechanisim. I have heard that there is a steering upgrade. Any idea of what what broke and why? I have partially dissasembled the steering unit but did not have a wheel puller. (I will get one tomorrow) Any advise out there?

Chuck

craiglaforce · Post by **craiglaforce** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:31 pm

The steering gear supposedly had air voids (defective casting) in a fair number of the old units. I would just buy a full drop in replacement Teleflex Safe-T Rotary helm and cable set. The newer 26X models have a large rack and pinion steering systems, which does not fit the old steering station (at least without modification). Measure the cable length and get what you want. 8 or 10 ft I think is the length.

Check to make sure that the rudders are held in the full down position so as not to overstress the steering system in the future. (make sure the bottom fairlead bulls-eye is not broken and that the rudder hold down rope (or bungee) goes through it.

Steering wheel (actually a small gear puller) was less than $10 at the auto parts store.

The new helm is pretty easy to install. 3 bolts holds the helm, a clip secures the cable to the helm, udo the nut on the splashwell tube and thats about it.

I put a spare helm in on mine for inside steering (posted in the mods).
Hope this helps.

craiglaforce · Post by **craiglaforce** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:36 pm

You should be able to get the helm and cable online or from West or Boat US.

http://www.teleflexmarine.com/default.asp?ID=17

Timm Miller · Post by **Timm Miller** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 2:26 pm

www.surplusunlimited.com

Spirit of the Wind · Post by **Spirit of the Wind** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:13 pm

Be sure to remove the cable and measure the length prior to ordering a new one. I replaced mine last year with a Teleflex ('96X) and if memory serves me right, it was 12 feet. I seem to recall previous posts from owners who replaced the rack and pinion units who installed 10 foot cables, but I think the rotary cables are 12 feet. They exit the bottom of the pedestal and are led to the starboard side with a gradual curve; then a sharper curve out of the aft berth area to the steering tube on the engine.

Bob Cameron
Spirit of the Wind

Timm Miller · Post by **Timm Miller** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:34 am

Nice folks to work with also

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com