Replacement Rotary Steering for 1996 26X

[Frank C]

Duane,
Pardon my ignorance. What am I missing with my set up. What information should I be getting out of the wheel, and what do you do with this information? As this is my first sailboat, the hydraulic steering is all I know.

Scott,
Don't stress. Duane is technically correct, but there's soooo little feedback through the rack & pinion system on my 2000 Mac that you're missing just that - very little. Fact is I was just on the phone with Simrad. The reason they discourage Mac owners from their SP32 (SailPilot) is that it has no rudder indicator, relying to some extent on system feel. Simrad says the Mac's problem is too little feedback (too much play) for the sailpilot to work reliably.

Matter 'a fact, I'd much rather have the benefit of your system to "hold a course." In that one situation, yours is the poor man's alternative to an autopilot. (Unfortunately, installing that hydraulic steering system might have cost more than an autopilot!)

[Erik Hardtle]

Ok, I couldn't help but share this 'Adventure' I had today after taking the boat out of winter storage.

I used to test the engine with water ear muffs on my Honda 50... and after replaceing several impellers, I have turned to using a large square bucket filled with water. (this will make sense later)

So I took the boat for several hours, motoring, sailing, tubing.... anchored by a beach... then went to leave the beach.... uh oh... no forward gear, no reverse.... spun prop? Nope.. checked. Gear shifter... seems to shift... wait I remember the rod connection between the engine and gearcase that was behind the engine after replacing impellers... yup it shook itself loose... reattached... I'm the hero of the family... (wait for it) Put her in gear and works great.... (here is comes.... it may hurt) I turn the wheel and hear a small snap sound and practically fall on the deck because the wheel turned so fast. Steering shaft snapped. First thought: this just can't be happening. Second thought: I should have done that emergency tiller mod I thought I would never need.

So I took the mast crutch and used a u pin to hook it to the rudders... it worked barely.

I will definetly be looking at the uflex stuff.... and probably an emergency tiller mod soon.....
Thank goodness for this website...