Rudder Hardware
Find sailboat steering hardware replacement parts at West Marine.
Out on the water, an issue with your boat’s steering is the last thing you want. But boats and boaters being the way they are, hardware failures sometimes can occur. Whether you have a tiller- or a wheel-steered sailboat, periodic inspections of your boat’s steering system and preventative maintenance can go a long way toward preventing problems.
Pedestal Steering Maintenance
For sailboats with wheel steering, periodic maintenance includes oiling the steering wire sheave bearings, checking the wire sheave cotter pins, oiling the steering wire itself and checking the cap screws at the quadrant for tightness. At the top of the steering pedestal, the steering wheel spindle bearings should be greased, the chain and chain sprocket oiled, the brake shaft oiled and if necessary the steering wheel brake pads replaced. For wheel steered sailboats with pull-pull cable systems, the cables should be lubricated monthly.
Pedestal Steering Components Available at West Marine
West Marine’s selection of pedestal steering components includes Lewmar Six-Spoke Folding Steering Wheels and a variety of items from Edson Marine, including Edson Chain and Wire Kits, a Pedestal Guard Feet Kit, Standard 3/4” and 1” Wheel Nuts, a Pedestal Compass Cover and a Pedestal Brake Kit.
Tiller Steering Maintenance
With far fewer parts to contend with, tiller steering systems are easier to maintain. Sailboat tiller steering systems consist of a tiller that connects to a spade rudder or a keel- or transom- hung rudder. At least yearly, all tiller steering hardware should be checked and serviced. This includes checking the tiller head fitting for stress cracks, the rudder post for excessive play and for keel- and transom-hung rudders, examining the gudgeons and pintles for signs of stress cracks or excessive wear.
Parts for Tiller-Steered Boats Available at West Marine
Parts related to tiller steering available at West Marine include a variety of light- and medium-duty gudgeons and pintles by Sea Sure, Schaefer and Ronstan.