Steve: Just read your excellent article in the recent issue of Ocean Navigator, concerning heavy weather steering issues. We just placed an order for a 43′ Hallberg-Rassy, and I’m curious to learn what you think of the “beefiness” of its steering system. It has Whitlock wheel steering, with Cardan linked rod steering. Do you think this meets your recommendation for “twice ABS specifications”? Thank you for your help! Mike B
Hi Mike: There is no way for me to answer your question without a complete design evaluation. However, the question could be easily answered by the yard. Keep in mind that the structural system starts with the rudder and the rudder shaft (and the skeg if you have one), then includes the bearing carriers in the hull and the hull to which these are attached. Regards–Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
