Sailboat steering service involves the routine maintenance, inspection, and repair of the steering system to ensure its reliability and safety. Services include annual inspections, lubrication, and replacement of parts like hydraulic fluid, seals, hoses, chains, and wires. Common issues addressed are stiffness, lag, and unusual noises, which can indicate worn-out or failing components. Services for different steering systems Hydraulic steering systems - Annual service: Flushing and replacing hydraulic fluid, checking and replacing seals and hoses. - Inspection: Checking the pump, ram, and connecting lines for leaks or damage.  Chain and cable systems - Routine maintenance:Lubricating the chain with appropriate products, like Edson's Chain Care+, and checking sheave pins and bearings. - Regular replacement:Replacing the chain and wire every 7-10 years (or 3-5 years in high-salt areas) and bearings every 10-15 years, especially with heavy offshore use. - Inspection: Looking for signs of wear such as grinding or squeaking, which can point to a fraying or binding cable.  Electrical steering systems - Inspection: Ensuring fuses are intact and electrical connections are secure. - Troubleshooting:Checking the actuator, wiring, and control unit for proper function.  Common problems and solutions - Stiff or laggy steering:This can be caused by poor lubrication or worn components. The solution is to lubricate the system, check for binding in the chain or cables, and replace worn parts. - Excessive play in the wheel: This could be a sign of a worn steerer shaft key or a broken snap ring. These components should be replaced to prevent further damage. - Unusual noises: Grinding or squeaking can indicate a worn cable or improper lubrication. The chain and cable system should be inspected for wear and cleaned, and if necessary, replaced. - Steering wheel moving fore and aft: This is a common issue caused by a broken snap ring. Replacing the snap ring is a cheap and easy fix that prevents more significant problems down the line. 

Roller furler service involves regular cleaning, inspection, and lubrication to prevent issues like binding and freezing. Key tasks include cleaning the drum and foils with soap and water, inspecting for wear and damage on components like the lower toggles and screws, and lubricating the drum with a suitable grease. More thorough service may require removing the line to flush the bearings. Regular service (coastal cruising) - Clean regularly: Wash the furling drum and foils with fresh water and soap to remove salt, sand, and grit. - Inspect for damage:Check for signs of wear, cracks, and corrosion on components like the lower toggles and the torque tube clamp. - Check connections: Make sure all screws are tight and no cotter pins are missing.  Thorough service (offshore passages or if problems arise) - Remove the furling line:Disconnect the line to allow for more in-depth cleaning and inspection. - Flush bearings: Use soap and fresh water to thoroughly flush the bearings in the drum. - Clean foils: Run a scrap of luff tape or a soft brush up and down the foil grooves to clean them. - Lubricate: Inject white lithium grease or a suitable lubricant into the take-up drum. - Inspect headstay: If the system has been in place for a long time, consider a thorough inspection of the headstay itself. In some cases, it may be time for a new one.  Troubleshooting common issues - Sail won't furl/unfurl:Sail is full of wind: Luff the sail completely before furling.Sail is flogging: Release a little sheet, pull a little furling line, and repeat.Foil is out of the drum:Reinstall the foil and tighten the clamp screws.Furling line is tangled:Remove the sheets and rotate the spool to wrap the line correctly.