Hey everyone, I’m new to yachting—just got a 27ft one last month, and my first solo day trip didn’t go as planned.
I set off early to a quiet bay, and everything was fine until noon. I anchored to eat lunch, and when I tried to start the engine again 40 minutes later, it wouldn’t kick over. The glow plug light came on, so I held it for a bit, but it just made a weak grinding noise. I panicked a little—sat there trying 3 more times, and finally it started. Then, on the way back, the steering wheel got weird: it wasn’t stuck, but I had to push way harder than usual to turn, especially when adjusting for wind.
I’m not sure if these are big deals or just newbie mistakes, but I don’t want to risk getting stuck next time. Can anyone help with these two things?
When restarting the engine after anchoring, did I mess up the glow plug timing? Or could it be something else, like the battery?
Why would the steering get stiff halfway through the trip? It was totally fine in the morning—do I need to check something before my next run?
I feel like I’m missing basic stuff here, so any tips from people who’ve been through this would mean a lot!
Hi,
Congratulations on your new boat. However every boat owner goes through this learning process. What boat and engine do you have ?
In any case, most boats seem always seem to have something that needs to be fixed. It is just part of boating. Eventually one learns to manage it over time. Ideally one can prevent some drama through preventative maintenance. But then things still malfunction even for the most experienced and diligent owners.
For the starting issue, the first question is whether your starting battery has enough charge (Approx 12.6v) and capacity to turn the engine over. Learning to use a meter is a fun exercise.
For the steering problem, presuming it is a wheel with a cable and quadrant system then an inspection below to see if everything is lined up is the first step. Cable in quadrant and sheaves, chain on pulley etc. Any chance wheel brake is on ? Might look inside pedestal as well. If it is an Edson here is a good introduction. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vGP9kVnC24k Outside chance there is something caught between rudder and hull.
Lastly, might consider this book from Nigel Calder as a general reference tool.
Just to prove Pearce’s point. I have 24k NM on my boat and had a steering problem similar to what you are describing.
Assuming you have an Edison helm and pedestal, do the inspection Pearce mentioned if all looks good, pop the pedestal top cover off and inspect the steering chain linkage and, most importantly, you will see a small lube hole right above the wheel shaft race. If the shaft has not been lubricated in umpteen years, your wheel will start binding alarmingly. Usually at the worst possible time.
I discovered this about 600 miles offshore after going swimming under the boat to check for rudder fouling. Consequently I proved I am not the sharpest tool in the steering gear shed…,
First off, don’t stress—this is so normal when you’re new. I had both these problems in my first month with my yacht, and they’re easy to sort once you know what to check.
Let’s start with the engine restart issue. That weak grinding noise? It’s probably not the glow plug (since it worked in the morning). More likely, your battery was a little drained. When you anchor, do you leave any electronics on? Even a small thing like the bilge pump running or the GPS on standby can sap the battery over 40 minutes. Next time, before restarting, turn off all non-essentials (GPS, lights, radio) for 2 minutes—gives the battery a quick boost. Also, check your battery gauge before you turn the key; if it’s below 12V, that’s the culprit.
Now the stiff steering. Stiffness that pops up mid-trip is almost always the hydraulic fluid—either low or a little old. When you’re docked next, pop the hood (or the hydraulic reservoir cover) and check the fluid level: it should be right at the “max” line. If it’s low, top it up with the right grade (ISO VG15 or VG22—don’t use car hydraulic fluid!). If the fluid looks cloudy (not clear/amber), change it—old fluid gets thick and causes that “hard to turn” feeling.
I have a very useful guide here that breaks down small yacht issues like this, checking step by step—it helped me a lot when I got stuck: Yacht Trouble? 7 Common Part Problems & Repair Guide – Yachttrading
Next trip, do a 3-minute pre-check: start the engine once to test, wiggle the steering to make sure it’s smooth, and check the battery gauge. You’ve got this—small kinks like these just help you learn your boat better.
Thank you, Pearce. I’m planning to check the situation you mentioned this weekend
Haha , you successfully discovered “it”.
Thank you for sharing emeriece. This guide has been very helpful to me
I’m very glad it can help you