Kismet,
What a co-incidence. Just put Bluestocking back in the
water yesterday after extensive
refit lasting 5 months. (Just in time for Igor to hit us on Sunday).
She has in-house built steering by
Cheoy Lee. Bevel
gear on
wheel shaft driving vertical shaft with take-up/let-off drum at bottom. 12 yrs ago put St steel 7/32 7x19, and always felt that the
helm was "springy" in feel. Put new 7/32 7x19 galvanized aircraft cable, cleaned and regreased the turning blocks and quadrant channels and cable, and wow- what a difference. Talked to a professional rigger friend about using one of the newer products, and his one question was would I feel comfortable leaving it 12 yrs without major maintainance. Answer was NO.
Asked the J125
racing guys who said stay with the cable for my type of use.
Jus sayin !
Sheaves and contact surfaces should be suited to synthetic materials.