Steering - scraping/grinding noise

[Diatom]

Last second decision to moor at local dock as I passed it. Dropped engine to neutral, then reverse as I had overshot turn to dock. Low tide, 1' chop, quite strong tidal rips, gusty north wind. As she went into reverse I hear a grinding/scraping noise from behind the helm platen. Killed gentle reverse to neutral, find the steering hard to port (further counterclockwise steering wheel travel arrested). Weird, I was proceeding dead ahead. Go gentle forward, noise stops, I corrected steering. Boat now stopped dead. Reverse - no noise, but again found steering magically adjusted hard to port.

Either:
- I in fact had autopilot on and was fighting it, current pushing me into starboard turn, autopilot reeling in some sort of steering cable to some sort of stop (I have no knowledge of how Cutwater steering works)? I indeed had autopilot in heading-hold a bit earlier, may have neglected to kill it.
- (or) something's broken - though I had no further issues remainder of afternoon, including reverse gear.
- (or) I backed into something, rudder contact. Off-chart if so - low tide but a good 14' of water under me. And - an oddly timber-free day out there.

Can someone tell me what's going on?

Thanks,

/tmm

 

[scross]

If the autopilot was still engaged, it will go absolutely berserk when you get down to under 3-4 knots. It’s like the boat becomes possessed by the spirit of a madman. I’d recommend trying your boat at slow speeds again after making sure the autopilot is off.

 

[Diatom]

Enlightening & encouraging. Thanks - was worried something more drastic was going on.

/tmm

 

[srhawk454]

It takes some time for the autopilot to fully disengage. I've been told to disconnect it well in advance prior to arrival, at least 15mins or more. I'd also check steering fluid level at the helm pump.