'84 Hunter 31 Steering Failure

jfedero · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2011

My steering failed on Saturday. My son was at the helm and the wheel just spun free. We didn't hear or feel anything. We were close hauled in about 20 mph winds in the SF bay when it happened. We limped home with the emergency tiller. Anyone had this happen? Any insights on what it may take to get it fixed?

willonorion · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011

I have a 81 hunter 27 and last week slipped the chain off the bronze gear in the stearing. This left us to get home using the emergency tiller. The failure was due to the rudder stop on the large sheave having worn a groove through the fiberglased board it is supposed to come to rest against, (thus not stopping) and allowing the chain with attached cable to ride up and off the gear. Fix with 1/4" SS plate about 2-1/2" x 15" bolted to the forward side of the stop board.

killarney_sailor · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011

Did a steering cable break?