Whitlock Steering

[BevP]

Does anyone have experience with Whitlock steering systems?
I recently lost steering completely. After some time, I managed to gain some ability to steer, but it was tentative. Hauled the boat and investigated, but so far cannot find anyhting to account for loss of steering. Any thoughts or ideas?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, BevP.

Whitlock (now Lewmar) “Cobra” Steering System Manual
➥ http://www.eddievan.com/documents/wh...a_steering.pdf

Whitlock also made several autopilot drives.
Constellation ➥ http://www.pyacht.com/Whitlock-Constellation-Manual.pdf
Rotary ➥ http://www.pyacht.com/Whitlock-Rotary-Manual.pdf
Direct ➥ http://www.pyacht.com/Whitlock-Direct-Manual.pdf
Mamba ➥ Whitlock Mamba Drives

[inspectr]

Something of a late reply, but I have a Dufour 35 Classic 1998 with a Whitlock Cobra steering system. Shortly after I bought the boat I had a problem with the steering which may be instructive.

The wheel suddenly developed very excessive play and seemed loose and un-engaged with the rudder. We got back to the mooring but steering was very approximate.

Investigation revealed that the 12mm bolt that tightened the clamp on the rudder post had sheared off inside the rudder arm. A new bolt fixed the problem and it has not returned.

At the same time we replaced the couplings on both ends of the draglink as the bearings were also worn and had excessive play.

None of this was reported on by the marine Surveyor who did the pre purchase survey.
Hope this helps
PS - not a bad idea to check these sort of things occasionally.