Helm failure 2001 26x

[Popscott]

I was sailing tonight and all of the sudden my helm malfunctioned. All it does is spin continuously luckley the weather was in my favor and I was able to get back to port by steering with my foot. Has anyone Exerienced this and what the remedy?
Thank you,
Ryan Scott

[paul I]

Sounds to me like the rack and pinion steering system located in the pedestal has broken down. Its very replaceable. Take a look at the available Teleflex systems. There are lots of threads on the board here regarding how to replace it. Search them out.

[Goldenist]

Mine popped the other day too. For me, a bolt wiggled loose that connected the arm of the steering system to the attachment point on the starboard side of the stern (where the cable goes into the boat). I got another bolt and nut and tightened it up!

[Popscott]

Thank you for the replies. I can't wait to open up the pedestal to see what the problem is.

[Popscott]

Afer reading several posts, has anyone recently replaced there steering system with a Uflex planetary steering system?

[paul I]

Afer reading several posts, has anyone recently replaced there steering system with a Uflex planetary steering system?

Yes, I replaced the stock system with a Uflex Rotech system.

[Don T]

Hello,
Yes, I replaced the helm with a U-Flex several seasons ago. Nice unit, fit perfectly.

[gabid]

I replaced it 4 years ago on my whit this one: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002H3 ... il_1p_0_ti

A bit too long cable, next time I'll go with 10 or even 9 feet.

[133bhp]

replaced a rack with the rotech planetary - note, I had to open up the hole. so screwed some wood behind it, found the centre and used a hole cutter. 2000 x model. They still have some slop though. about 5-10 degrees.

[Popscott]

I feel like I'm back in school doing a research project and after careful consideration I'm going to go with the old standby Teleflex package that Blue Water Yatch sells for 2001 26X. As much as I want the U-Flex my gut tells me to go with parts from a Macgegor Store.
Thank to everyone that gave advice.

[Tomfoolery]

I'm confused - BWY sells both the Rotech (Uflex) and the Teleflex rack and pinion. And something they call a 'rotary' system, for use on 'mid-production boats'. All three systems are $189US. http://shop.bwyachts.com/category-s/317.htm

I'm not real clear on what the differences are, and haven't done much research as my steering still feels tight and smooth with little friction.

Oh, and some X boats have a 'tall' helm, while others have a 'short' helm (like mine). The extra space above the wheel axle might be to accommodate a rack and pinion system. Something to look out for if considering R&P at least.

[sailboatmike]

Give Ezra a BWY a call he is the guru when it comes to these things

[Popscott]

I have had several conversations with Evers in the past but right now BWY is short handed and I haven't got any response regarding the UFlex setup so I'm going with for sure Teleflex. I need to get back on the water.

Ryan Scott