What Is a Steering System?

The steering system consists of the underwater rudder blade, the rudder stock that carries it, the bearings that connect the stock to the hull, and the mechanism that transmits movement from the wheel. If an engine fails, the boat can be towed; if the steering jams, the boat cannot be controlled. That lack of any real backup makes it especially critical.

The wear points are well known, and all of them can be checked in 10 minutes on the hard.

Haul-out inspection

• Bearing play: the knock you feel when the rudder blade is rocked back and forth by hand; as the play grows, you lose both quietness and precise response.

• Water in the rudder blade: water seeping from a rudder blade that has been ashore for days shows the internal filler has taken on moisture; in winter it can freeze and crack the skin.

• Leak at the stock: the seal where the rudder stock enters the hull ages in much the same way as a shaft seal; it is the second opening people tend to overlook when bilge checks are carried out.

At sea, an emergency tiller drill should be carried out once a year: the true back-up for the steering system is that arm kept in the locker, and the hand that knows how to fit it. On every haul-out, the standard three-minute check is: rock the rudder blade (play), inspect the surface (cracks), and look at the stock connection (corrosion).