Greetings all. I wonder if anybody has had this problem ? This is the second Mac with this problem,mainly due to boat being left outside in winter. I managed to free off the steering on the last one after lots of time and W D 40. But it was still a bit stiff compared to my other Mac which is stored indoors in the winter. It is a big job to replace the steering cable which I want to avoid. I may try another technique this time fingers crossed.
Tue, 24/09/2019 - 9:05am
#1
Seized steering on Mac 26 X.
Hi David
Steering cables are unfortunately almost impossible to lubricate effectively. Among other things, you can't remove the termination and withdraw the inner, which makes it almost impossible to get any lubricant to penetrate. The reason this happens on the X is that the steering design means there is no waterproof boot where the inner cable emerges.
If the cable is fitted as designed, which is typically into the horizontal pivot tube on an outboard, then everything ends up properly water-sealed. Without a seal, water inevitably gets into the cable, and the whole thing seizes up. The problem was indirectly solved on the M by putting the steering linkage inboard.
On my old X I managed a partial solution by finding a rubber boot that would fit over the cable end, and glued it into position, but unfortunately the V-bar passes so close to the cable that it would catch the boot, and regularly dislodge it despite the glue.
I suspect the only real solution will be a new cable, in which case consider getting one a bit longer than fitted as standard. That will increase the radius of the bends, which also helps reduce stiffness. And try to devise a boot of some kind to keep the water out - you may be more successful than I was!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Hi David,
On the 26M cables go through a rubber boot which I’ve no doubt would seal if there was only cable but there are multiple cables allowing water to to gain access to the rear berth next to the outboard. I found self amalgamating tape the perfect answer. It stretches and follows the form of the item it’s going around and provides a really good seal. It’s available from Toolstation: Self Amalgamating Repair Tape 25mm x 10m 55262
probably worth adding when you’ve replaced the cable.
Keith
Star 26M