Benefit rode out the storm on the mooring. Did well for the most part. When we returned to the boat, the rudder was hard over and could not be turned. Investigation discovered that the block designed to stop the rudder as it turned to port was bent over and the stop on the wheel at the top of the rudder had pushed over the block.
See attached.
We locked the wheel but clearly that was not enough. As I ponder this, I wonder what the best practice would be to secure the rudder for a storm.
If I had lashed the wheel to avoid this, would the Edson steering cables be able to withstand the stress?
Curt Danforth
BENEFIT
NS 26 #181
Masons Island, Mystic CT
The wheel was locked but that did hold and It was still “locked” on return to the boat. As the boat rode the waves there was perhaps backward motion as the mooring chain pulled tight and then released. But I would think the wind and water was mostly pushing against the front of the boat.
Wow. Amazing that the stopper plate was bent like that.
Joe is right. The boat has probably moved backward quickly for this to happen. I can see it happen on a gusty day timed perfectly with a fresh gust and a wave lifting the bow.
Your rudder at this angle may also be touching (jammed against) the hull at the aft upper corner so it may still be stuck when you remove this bent plate. Best way to free this and check to see if this is the problem might be to jump in an grab the aft edge of the rudder and pull backwards rather than force it with the wheel. With any luck the rudder and shaft are OK and you just have to replace the bent plate but I would look at the rudder and shaft carefully.
I’d like to hear what you found after all is put right.
I once reversed out of a dock at speed and accidently let go of the wheel . The sound of the rudder turning at full speed hitting the stop was frightening ,
Maybe this is the cause ?
Bob Jenkins
Aurora
Yes, the force of the water on the aft edge of the rudder in reverse can be quite quite forceful, but, when you think about it, not so remarkable. The rudder post is at the forward edge of the rudder so, in reverse, you are essentially jibing the rudder and, as Nonsuchers, we should be more aware than most of the forces involved with jibing.
Yes but the rudder lock was insufficient to keep the rudder amidship and as the boat surged forward and fell back on her anchor rode, especially the latter, enormous pressure would have be put on the rudder over and over again. I’d say you were very lucky to have only suffered a bent rudder stop.
What options are available to prevent rudder slamming?
Installing the emergency tiller/cockpit drain handle and lashing this to the aft cleats?
Dick Lane
NS26c Swoose
Port Townsend
Lashing the bottom perimeter of the wheel to the Edson housing can keep the wheel in position, the rudder centered and the side forces on the rudder low. A precaution for rough weather.
The wheel brake pads on my 33 are, I think, soaked with chain lubricant. Tightening the stop screw gets me minimal wheel brake effectiveness. It is time to replace the chain/cable and inspect/replace all the other helm parts. I have an under deck, Type 1, autopilot actuator so if the steering chain or cable breaks I can steer home with autopilot.
