Steering Stiff

[blackbird4]

Im new to this site,,its a wealth of information,we are looking to purchase a Albin 27 express.I noticed the steering was VERY stiff on the sea trail,im getting a survey of course, oil samples on tranny and motor, i found what appears to be the steering cable,i thought it might be hydraulic,is there another area where i should look,?oh the boat has a 78 hp yanmar 4JE-DTE,,..Cheers

[tego]

Most of our 27's started out with a steering cable and not a hydraulic system. I imagine some have converted but I still have the cable and am very satisfied with it - one finger with no strain at all. You can disconnect it at the rudder and if the rudder is easy, it must be the cable. It's not a major deal to replace the cable, but it's not easy either. A good negotiating point on the price. Your surveyor will note it I'm sure. Ben

[coolchange]

If a cable..they can get corrosion crawling up into the cable making movement tough...I have used Corrosion Block for a lot of things..this and Rescue Tape are "must haves"...but get some of this and treat both ends ..soak em a few times and the cables will actually become corrosion free..it wicks into the cable over time...

This also works on copper wires that are having problems with conducting all it should...they get shiney way up under the plastic sleeve.

Might save replacement...or at least put it off for awhile..till you want an auto helm and need to get hydraulic steering.

[blackbird4]

Tego ,,coolchange,,thanks for the advice.much a appreciate,

[Sunsetrider]

Had the same on my A25. Turned out (after much investigation of cables etc) to be seaweed on the rudder.