Sabre Sabre 30, Owner'S Manual

Page: 33 / 81

3/21/2017 Sabre 30 Owners Manual
33/81
construction details may be found in Section 6:07. Refer to I­05 and I­15 for steering
system installation details.
15:03 EMERGENCY TILLER: As a safety precaution on wheel steering boats, a T­shaped
emergency tiller is stored in the starboard cockpit locker (port locker on Sabre 38). It
is easily lifted from its mounting brackets and will slip over the top of the rudder post
after removal of the cover plate.
15:04 OPERATION: Tiller and wheel steering both require use in order to obtain
familiarity with them. Soon a feel for your boat will develop and a sensitivity to
conditions which will increase your control.
When leaving the boat at a mooring or slip, make sure the wheel brake is properly
tightened or that the tiller is cross tied between the winch cleats. Do not allow the
system to free wheel as excessive wear or damage may result.
15:05 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION: Both steering systems are very rugged and, as with
any mechanical system, susceptible to loosening and wear. It will, therefore, require
routine monthly inspection and maintenance to insure safety and dependability. This
inspection should include all engine controls, pedestal accessories and all individual
parts of the steering system including nuts, bolts, cotter pins, etc. More frequent
inspections should be conducted on an extended cruise. Be alert to any unusual noise or
reaction from the steering system and check immediately.
The tiller rudder post cap may be tightened by taking up on the bolt through the rudder
post to remove excess play. The rudder post is lubricated by two grease cups.
15:00 STEERING SYSTEM (Cont'd)
15:05 (cont'd)
Be sure the bolts holding the tiller to the rudder post cap are tight, as any loose nuts
may result in the tiller breaking away from the rudder post. The rudder shaft should be
cleaned and lubricated every two years by removing the rudder. Grease the tube with
waterproof automotive grease.
The compass and mounting base must be removed to service the wheel steering mechanism.
Refer to the Edson owner's manual for maintenance procedures.
Needle bearing located in the wheel shaft in the pedestal bowl need lubricating with
Teflon lubricant through the holes located on top of the bearing housing. Spin the wheel
while lubricating to insure that the entire bearing is reached. Winch grease or water
pump grease may be substituted but Teflon lubricant is preferred. Be cautious that the
lubricant does not run off onto the friction brake pads.
The stainless wire cable is connected to the wheel steering system by means of a roller
chain that rides over a sprocket and to the drive wheel by two eye bolts. Lubricate the
wire with oil on facial tissue. Any breaks or burrs on the wire will be flagged by
tearing off a piece of the tissue. Replace a damaged wire immediately and discard.
Without damage a wire should be replace every five years. This wire may be kept as an
emergency spare.
Check for proper wire tension by locking the wheel with the friction brake, and then try
to move the radial drive wheel by hand. Tension is best when the drive wheel cannot be
moved when the wheel is locked.
A grinding noise while steering will indicate that the cables are too tight. Adjustment
to remove excess slack is done by tightening up on the eye bolts, with the double lock
nuts.
A pair of idler pulleys are located at the base of the pedestal. They are adjustable in
order to guide the cable to the drive wheel with a minimum of friction and wear.
Alignment is critical and correct when the cable, properly attached to the drive wheel,
sits squarely in the center of the groove in the pulley wheel. Tightening the cable may