Mac 26X steering issues
, Fri Jun 04 2010, 04:49PM
I own a 98 Mac 26X and I find the steering very stiff and there is a bit of play in it. The play is not in the linkage at the stern because I can move the helm a little without having any movement in the push arm. I suspect the stiffness comes from friction in the cabling. Is this a usual issue with these boats or is there something I can do to fix this? I’ve driven power vessels with engines at least this large and at least this distance to the helm and they were nowhere near this stiff.
Dominique
Re: Mac 26X steering issues
singlesailor, Thu Jun 10 2010, 12:03PM
It’s the cable, and not uncommon. You should try workiong some silicone grease up the cable by smearing it on the push rod and working it back and forth. You may have to do this frequently. If it is real bad you can inject WD-40 into the top end and let it work down the cable. This will soften the grease in the cable so keep applying grease to the bottom. Eventually you will probably have to replace the cable. So far mine is holding up. Call me if you wish 250-537-5013.
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