Cheoy Lee Shipyard hull number 2453 built in 1971. She has a Perkins 4108 diesel.

Recent inspection revealed a problem with the steering. In the water the steering was "fine" but sloppy or loose. An inspection of the gear turned up some serious abraiding by the port cable of the underside of the cockpit. The cables also do not wrap cleanly onto the drums attached to the steeting column. The cable that goes to the starboard turning block rides up on itself and jams, causing the cable to wrap onto a larger diameter and thus tightening on itself and putting great strain on the turning block.

This boat has the earlier of the two versions of pedestals, a cylindrical pedestal.  "The steering wheel shaft turns a bevel gear, which rotates a vertical shaft going through the pedestal.  On the end of this shaft, below the cockpit floor is a drum, which pulls the steering cables." 

I'm wondering if the cables are not lead properly. The port cable is above and the starboard cable is lower - should this be vice-versa?

Also, the cable end at the quadrant is not made up very well for connecting to the adjustment point. I think it is time to make up a new set.

Any comments will be much appreciated.

Please email me at starpey@rumerys.com