MacGregorSailors.com

Greetings to all,
I have a 97 26x that I bought used in 2001. WE have had 5 great sailing seasons here in Norfolk Va. but I have noticed that the helm is getting increasingly stiff and the boat is tacking more sluggishly.
I would like to open up steering pedestal and do what ever the forum suggests to correct the stiffness in the wheel. As for the sluggiush tacking, I'm wondering if there is seepage into the ballast tank. I usually sail without water in the ballast tank and the gate fittings seem to be sealing properly; is this sluggishness a common occurence?
Your inputs are greatly appreciated. Enjoy the upcoming season.
Beachdoc

Hi,

Do a search on "teleflex cable" and be sure and choose "search ALL words". I replaced mine about 2 months ago. Feels like a brand new boat. We were used to it stiff and didn't know any better. Now it steers like butter!

I'm not sure what you mean by sluggish.

later...
Hawg

Unless you are an expert, seeking thrills and maybe a swim, The water ballast tank should always be completely full for sailing. If the ballast tank is partly filiing with water this should be avoided. Dont want that water sloshing around down there messing up the stability. You can stick a straw down the ballst tank vent hole to check water level in the tank. The boat comes with one originally. Put the straw fully down, put your thumb over the top and pull it up to check water level.

If the helm is feeling like something is broken or slipping, the helm gear was defective in many of those early vintage boats. It is easily replaced with a new combination helm and steering cable. Cost is not bad and installation is easy.

There should be several threads on how to do the job, cable length and different helm options. For that year, rotary helm by Teleflex Safe-T QC or similar is the replacement, the newer ones use the rack and pinion type, and the console is taller to accomodate the rack part.

Also mast rake needs to be brought forward a tad if getting heavy weather helm, and the rudders should be fully cleated in the down postion. Also worth checking to make sure the bull'seye fairlead is still down there at the waterline. (some break off if the rudders hit ground.

Also if you have the original aluminum rudder heads, they should be inspected for cracks or breaks. There is now a beefier replacment rudder head available from BWY.

Also, check that the steering yoke has not been stepped on and may rub on the aft deck when the steering is moved.

Hope this helps.