Buying 1990 Beneteau 35s5

[Thetone]

I just looked at this 1990 beneteau 35s5. Everything looks good except for the steering. The wheel has play and it wobbles. Is this a big job. I believe it's a Whitlock Cobra rack and pinion system.

[coopec43]

Thetone

I presume by "rack and pinion" you mean chain and cable? The current Beneteu has chain and cable. But there are yachts with truck type steering boxes connected by rods to the rudder.

If so then the play could be because the cable needs to be tightened by using the adjustment on the quadrant (which is on the rudder stock. The wheel wobbling is a bit of a worry as it sounds like the bearing in the pedestal is knackered.

Steering system maintenance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDa6fKxmoBU

Clive

[Thetone]

Originally Posted by coopec43

Thetone

I presume by "rack and pinion" you mean chain and cable? If so then the play could be because the cable needs to be tightened by using the adjustment on the quadrant (which is on the rudder stock. The wheel wobbling is a bit of a worry as it sounds like the bearing in the pedestal is knackered.

Steering system maintenance

Clive

This system does not have any wire.

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by Thetone

This system does not have any wire.

Yes back then they had rack and pinion

"ot much room to stand behind the wheel and most folks
under power will stand on the aft cockpit seat, which works fine and
gives good visibility forward. Below deck the Whitlock wheel is a rack
and pinion system. No sloppy cables for this machine. Quite a few
35s5's are fitted with a slick carbon fibre tiller.

The Whitlock helm of the 35s5 is simply in another league and you will
always notice the feather-lite handling a sensitive feedback of the
rack and pinion based system over the typical cable based steering.
There's no going back once you've tried this.

If the bearing in the Whitlock pedestal is worn that would make the steering "sloppy" (But there could be other reasons too)

https://www.google.com.au/search?ei=....0.HJekRMg_HdU

Clive

[Thetone]

Does anyone know which model was used in the 1990 Beneteau 35s5?

[coopec43]

Originally Posted by Thetone

Does anyone know which model was used in the 1990 Beneteau 35s5?

Overview

The First 35s5 is 35.5 feet LOA and is an exceptionally quick boat. While many are raced, they are also very capable cruisers that will generally get you "there" faster than a typical cruising boat. For sailing on the Long Island Sound, the 35s5 (and other First Series boats) represent an excellent melding of performance and comfort. Light air ability is very good, a key requirement in these waters. Down below you'll find a unique cabin of very HQ fit and finish. Few boats can match her combo of style, speed and comfort!
Wheel versions were fitted with Whitlock Rack and Pinion steering, quite superior to cable based systems. Room behind the wheel is poor, but in practice it works

Sorry! I can't do better than that....

Clive

[Pete7]

Any chance of some photos? including the underside of the pedestal.

Pete

[Vasco]

http://www.eddievan.com/documents/wh...a_steering.pdf

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by coopec43

Overview

[COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]Wheel versions were fitted with Whitlock Rack and Pinion steering Clive

Is "rack and pinion" the correct expression? Mine (after market Cobra Mk 5 fit) has a drag link system as shown in Vasco's linked PDF and yes it is brilliant, very light and lots of feed back.

Pete

[Vasco]

It's been called rack and pinion since it first came out. I've have it on my CS36M. Over 30 years old and no problems so far although a friend with the same boat had to replace a bearing on his.

[coopec43]

Maybe relevant?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tem-27148.html

Clive

[Thetone]

My offer has been accepted. Proceeding with the survey then sea trial. Engine oil analysis will be conducted at sea trial. Fingers crossed!

[Thetone]

My survey is a week from Monday. If all goes well sea trial will be next then engine oil analysis. My only worry right now is this Cobra steering system. I wonder how much it would cost to fix? I'm pretty handy but this seems like a complex job. I'll send pics after the survey.

[Tillsbury]

The surveyor will be able to tell you. If the rudder is sloppy or damaged that could be a more significant problem (though not insurmountable). If a bearing in the steering system needs replacing I doubt that would cost very much to fix. Not in the scheme of the budget you’d want for fettling a 1990s boat anyway