Lipari 41: Rudders - Steering

[Cotemar]

Moderator's place keeper for Lipari 41 thread

[mbuckely]

I have a 2012 Lipari and am about to replace my steering system for the second time. First failure occurred when she arrived from France. My dealer replaced it and I didn't ask enough questions. Now, 2.5 short years later she is going again. Wheel is not turning smoothly and is catching/locking up.

Wheel also has a lot of play in it. Related?

FP also left the bushing off where the rod enters the tube. Related? (CF came through with the answer to that)

While I'm bitching about steering and rudders, has any one else had problems with the rudders slipping in the collars? Finally had them drilled and through bolted to eliminate the problem. I paid for that but am I wrong to think that FP should be doing that?

I am relatively new to boat ownership. I understand that things break on boats and you are going to spend a lot of money to keep them going. My frustration is a complete lack of communication from the folks at FP. They don't respond to my dealer and they don't respond to me. I gave them a whole lot of money and would expect some effort to keep me happy.

This is the first post in this category so maybe it's me.

If you have had the problems or even better, have some solutions, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening. I feel better already

Mark
S/V Irish Rover

[Cotemar]

Have seen this steering problem on the Helia 44.
They are on the third steering box.
They have had all the same issues you are having

[mbuckely]

Do you know if they have had any success dealing with FP or are they handling themselves? Or is their dealer handling?

I really love the boat but these things are troublesome. It's getting harder and harder to enthusiastically recommend the brand if I continue to be ignored.

Thanks as always for your thoughtful responses

[Cotemar]

The dealer is handling this steering issue.
At some point the root cause has to be found to put an end to this chronic issue.

[captainjay]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

The dealer is handling this steering issue.
At some point the root cause has to be found to put an end to this chronic issue.

The new Saba 50 has Hydraulic steering. The same parts that the Cumberland has used for years. They are now putting this system on new Helia's being built. Supposedly there is a retrofit available from France to change to Hydraulic. We haven't done one yet, but if I owned a Lipari or Helia I would be looking hard at this option.

Jay

[Cotemar]

Would love to see that Hydraulic steering system.
Can you take a few pictures of it when the FP Saba 50 is at your dock in St. Thomas?

[captainjay]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Would love to see that Hydraulic steering system.
Can you take a few pictures of it when the FP Saba 50 is at your dock in St. Thomas?

I took a few at the show. I will see what I can do to post them.

[mbuckely]

Originally Posted by captainjay

The new Saba 50 has Hydraulic steering. The same parts that the Cumberland has used for years. They are now putting this system on new Helia's being built. Supposedly there is a retrofit available from France to change to Hydraulic. We haven't done one yet, but if I owned a Lipari or Helia I would be looking hard at this option.

Jay

Hey Jay did you ever get additional info on this? My cable has now failed for the third time and it may be time to start pricing out a hydraulic replacement. Don't expect any support from FP but could be worth it to do this upgrade myself.

Thanks
Mark


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[ZipTie]

FP is now uses a hydraulic steering system on all the new Helia 44 starting from hull #73.

Contact your local broker and he may be able to get you the parts.