power steering grinding

[Mr Beasley]

I have a grinding in the steering wheel at speeds above 6 knots. Fluid in the reservoir looks normal. excessive amount of barnacles on prop (and probably all below water line metals) prevent WOT and speeds above 8 knots cause excessive vibration. Can the barnacles be affecting the steering as well?
C-26 with the Yanmar 180 hp
Located in Chesapeake Bay and will dive to clean bottom asap, current water temp is 60 degrees 😱

 

[Kevin Lamont]

I have a grinding in the steering wheel at speeds above 6 knots. Fluid in the reservoir looks normal. excessive amount of barnacles on prop (and probably all below water line metals) prevent WOT and speeds above 8 knots cause excessive vibration. Can the barnacles be affecting the steering as well?
C-26 with the Yanmar 180 hp
Located in Chesapeake Bay and will dive to clean bottom asap, current water temp is 60 degrees 😱

Hello,

Yes any sort of excessive build up on either the prop, rudder or both can cause the steering to do weird things and also cause a vibration like you're describing. I would have the bottom scrubbed along with the prop, rudder, shaft and all other items and retest. It maybe a better idea to have it hauled out to be cleaned and inspected as well.

Thanks,
Kevin Lamont