Jeanneau 36 Steering

[salecm]

Steering behavior while under power of a 1990 Jeanneau 36 that I am considering to buy has me concerned. While at cruising speed or any other speed, the wheel behaves as if it has some play in it and feels like it''s encountering severe turbulence. Also while cruising the wheel pulls to port strongly like no other boat I have ever been on. I think the problem is probably not the rudder since the problem is eliminated as soon as the transmission is disengaged. The wheel is also very smooth and the boat handles beautifuly under sail. I had the boat surveyed prior to sea trial but the surveyor was unable to inspect the rudder and wheel linkages due to inability to find access.

My broker''s explanation is the two bladed prop that is centered in the hull and the semi-balanced high aspect ratio rudder that makes this boat such a nimble sailer.

Has anyone else experienced this behavior on any boat? Is so much torque steer while at cruising speed normal? Would a three bladed prop minimize the wheel vibration as my broker is suggesting? I would appreciate any help!

[Sailmc]

Every boat I have ever owned has pulled to port to some degree under power. My current boat does so as well with a 3 blade MaxProp. I think this may be a normal occurence for some boats. The vibration is probably due to loose steering cables. They need to be snug but not bar tight. The prop does put out a turbulent wash and the distence between rudder and prop may have something to do with it. I rarely hand steer the boat under power except in a harbor so it really doesn''t bother me much. Maybe JeffH has some input on this subject.