Time to renew steering cables?
Dear all,
As my boat is pushing 40 years, I am wandering if I should renew the steering cables, which, as far as I know, are the original. They seem perfectly ok on visual inspection. Maybe a little slack, but that is easy to fix, and I never had any problems. Any thoughts on the matter will be appreciated.
Best wishes,
Terje

Dear Terje,

I change mine every ten years (maybe I am too anxious?) !

My friend Vincenzo (38/063 Fortefiore) had a steering cable which broke last year in the middle of the Atlantic crossing, and that was the original one.

Fair winds

matteo (38/067 Only You)

Terje
You should keep spare cables on board, but if there are no broken strands the old ones can still be used.
The original way of testing the cables and stops is to turn the wheel until the quadrant reaches the end stop, and then step with your whole weight on a wheel spoke at the rim. The same to the other side. Then check the cables.
Kind regards
Lars

Dear Terje,

could you imagine the test Lars suggested done on a Beneteau (or similar boat)...?

Fair winds!

matteo (38/067 Only You)

Terje,
You must change them. One of mine broke last year on a lee shore, the spare tiller was at home in the garage, so a small crew member sat in the Lazarette with my VERY LARGE spanner to steer us home. Re connecting the cables to the chains is a fiddle after the broken ends have let the chain off the sprocket. You will feel better once it is done! Best regards, Rob. Sarabande 47/029