Anyone using synthetic steering cables?

[GILow]

Hi all,

Our KP44 will need new steering cables. The path for the cables will not be per factory original (they used to go down the port side behind the aft head) but instead will be straight down the centre line beside the prop shaft.

No particularly tight bends this way.

The boat weighs around 11 tonnes and has an unbalanced skeg hung rudder.

Has anyone experimented with synthetic steering and if so, thoughts on its suitability in this situation?

Matt

[Benz]

It is eminently suitable, as long as there's no places to chafe or burrs on the quadrant, etc.

[Breaking Waves]

yup, good application, if no chafe.

as a note, while Dyneema is fine, this is an application where alternatives (like Vectran and Pbo) could be slightly better because no creep.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Benz

It is eminently suitable, as long as there's no places to chafe or burrs on the quadrant, etc.

Gotcha, I’ll inspect each of the old blocks carefully. Someone suggested sanding them with fine sandpaper to be sure.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Breaking Waves

yup, good application, if no chafe.

as a note, while Dyneema is fine, this is an application where alternatives (like Vectran and Pbo) could be slightly better because no creep.

Good point, thank you. I think I can source Vectran from my local chandlery.

[Fore and Aft]

Gilow I have surveyed a 40 foot Wharram that had synthetic steering cables. Seemed to work alright and the system had been there for years.
Cheers

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Fore and Aft

Gilow I have surveyed a 40 foot Wharram that had synthetic steering cables. Seemed to work alright and the system had been there for years.
Cheers

Good to hear it has passed the time test, thank you.

Not that it matters, but if I ever cross to the dark side multihull sailing, a Wharram will be the boat that tempts me.

[Jim Cate]

Matt, Gary McAulay (he who built our boat) started out with Dyneema cables for his dual helm steering for his new boat. He later changed to s/s , and I don't remember why... but I can PM you his phone details if you would like to chat with him about it.

Jim

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by GILow

Hi all,

Our KP44 will need new steering cables. The path for the cables will not be per factory original (they used to go down the port side behind the aft head) but instead will be straight down the centre line beside the prop shaft.

No particularly tight bends this way.

The boat weighs around 11 tonnes and has an unbalanced skeg hung rudder.

Has anyone experimented with synthetic steering and if so, thoughts on its suitability in this situation?

Matt

Our yachts would have similar heavy loads on the steering cables as we both have unbalanced skeg mounted rudders, And our yachts are center cockpit so that means long steering cables and consequential increased stretch. The loads on steering cables on an aft cockpit yacht with a spade rudder are not relevant as you would be aware

I considered Dyneema but eventually settled for 7/19 SS. I took professional advice and he recommended 10mm cable because of the length of the cable and the rudder loads. (From memory the price of each SS terminals for the Dyneema was hideous)

I did a lot of research on Dyneema and I am certain I read this one which I found helpful.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...es-181114.html

[coopec43]

The terminal I was looking at was SS and priced around $A450

This one is aluminum and would cost around $A110.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by coopec43

Our yachts would have similar heavy loads on the steering cables as we both have unbalanced skeg mounted rudders, And our yachts are center cockpit so that means long steering cables and consequential increased stretch. The loads on steering cables on an aft cockpit yacht with a spade rudder are not relevant as you would be aware

I considered Dyneema but eventually settled for 7/19 SS. I took professional advice and he recommended 10mm cable because of the length of the cable and the rudder loads. (From memory the price of each SS terminals for the Dyneema was hideous)

I did a lot of research on Dyneema and I am certain I read this one which I found helpful.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...es-181114.html

Sorry mate, but our boats have absolutely nothing in common at all.

[Madehn]

I suppose it could be done but not sure I see the point. What is it that you hope to accomplish with the change?

[Bowdrie]

Probably not applicable to the layout of the OPs steering system.
That said, one of the best arrangements I've seen was where the chain on the sprocket of the wheel shaft dropped down thru the pedestal to another sprocket on a torque tube that led aft to a gear box that was linked to the tiller arm of the rudder shaft.
No cables, no sheeves, no adjustments for tension, no complicated bracketry, no slack, no stretch, no frayed wires, no end fittings.
Simple and positive, all components readily available from any outfit that delt in power transmission products.
Of course, all arrangements have a downside.
In this case it was lack of feedback from the rudder, kind of like many hydraulic systems.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Madehn

I suppose it could be done but not sure I see the point. What is it that you hope to accomplish with the change?

A couple of things, but the most important to me is the emerging trend of stainless wire quality issues I am reading about has me wanting to avoid the stuff for now.

Next would be that synthetics are nicer to work with and I’ve got a big work list at the moment.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

Probably not applicable to the layout of the OPs steering system.
That said, one of the best arrangements I've seen was where the chain on the sprocket of the wheel shaft dropped down thru the pedestal to another sprocket on a torque tube that led aft to a gear box that was linked to the tiller arm of the rudder shaft.
No cables, no sheeves, no adjustments for tension, no complicated bracketry, no slack, no stretch, no frayed wires, no end fittings.
Simple and positive, all components readily available from any outfit that delt in power transmission products.
Of course, all arrangements have a downside.
In this case it was lack of feedback from the rudder, kind of like many hydraulic systems.

I’ve sailed a boat with a similar setup. It was effective but the lack feedback was an absolute deal breaker for me. I’m very much a seat of the pants type of sailor. I’d much rather the boat had a tiller TBH.