New steering cable...rudder alignment?
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3255
Printed Date: January-16-2025 at 8:01am
Topic: New steering cable...rudder alignment?
Posted By: Bremsen
Subject: New steering cable...rudder alignment?
Date Posted: March-27-2006 at 8:49am
So we installed a new 17.5' steering cable this weekend. Is it common to have to "align" the rudder? When we first got it all hooked up it would turn to starboard very sharp and almost barely to port. We adjusted the guide tube and got it pretty close, but I think we'll need to remove the tiller arm and align the rudder/steering wheel to make it perfect. I'm just wondering if this is common or do we have an installation error?
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http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=923&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990 - Our 88 SN2001
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Replies:
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: March-27-2006 at 9:39am
there is no adjustment at the rudder that I recall. You have to adjust the throw at the clamp block where the cable is held in place.
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http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique
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Posted By: David F
Date Posted: March-28-2006 at 8:02am
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Adjust the torgue tube in the clamping block so that the rudder moves equally to port and starboard (regardless of the steering wheel position). Verify once adjusted by turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock in either direction. Number of wheel rotations should be the same. Now you can remove the steering wheel from the helm shaft and center. Test drive. If the wheel is not perfectly centered, then make small adjustment at the torque tube (large adjustment at the helm).
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Posted By: Bremsen
Date Posted: March-29-2006 at 8:03am
Really.....it looked like the tiller arm was just clamped on and its position on the rudder could be adjusted. Problem we're having is that we've adjusted the clamp block tube as far as possible (all the way to stern). It seems like the steering is pretty close to centered, but I still think it needs a little more adjustment to be perfect. We would also like to get the steering wheel "straight" if possible, but if there is no adjustment other than the clamp block I guess its not possible. The helm is a key way shaft (key way pointed at ~2 o'clock) so there are no adjustments on the helm.
I just think its weird that there would be that much difference between the old cable and the new one. I figured it would be stretched and need some adjustment, but we adjusted nearly 4" out on the clamp block.
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http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=923&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990 - Our 88 SN2001
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Posted By: David F
Date Posted: March-29-2006 at 8:13am
Right, I forgot about the tapered and keyed helm shaft...mine is splined (newer boat). Usually, the top of the rudder shaft has a square boss that mates with the tiller. Yes, the tiller is clamped, but square none-the-less...so only 90 degree adjustments are possible at the tiller.
you need to completely start over. Try the following:
1) Disconnect the steering cable from the tiller. Remove the torque tube from the clamping block.
2) Turn the steering wheel lock to lock and finde the center...leave the wheel centered.
3) Manually position the rudder in the straight ahead position.
4) Without moving the steering cable (i.e. wheel) attach the cable to the tiller (without moving the tiller) and clamp the torque tube in the block. You are done with basic installation. Small adjustments to straighten wheel are made by moving the torque tube in the block.
If the torque tube does not line up with the block when attempting step #4, then you will need to reposition the block so that it falls in approximately the center of the torque tube.
Almost forgot...once the above is complete, if the steering wheel is way off (like upside down) then the cable is not properly connected at the helm and must be re-installed to center wheel. Ideally, the wheel should be level when you find the center of travel from lock to lock (prior to connecting to tiller or clamp block).
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Posted By: Bremsen
Date Posted: March-30-2006 at 9:10am
Thanks David! That helps a lot. Hopefully we won't have to re-position the clamping block.
Yeh, I didn't even think about re-installing the cable at the helm to level out the steering wheel. We just need to figure out where the wheel position needs to be when starting the cable so the wheel is level when the cable is centered. I shoulda thought of that...duh! Thanks again.
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http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=923&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990 - Our 88 SN2001
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