Rudder Issue

[Seighlor]

New to me, my C&C 36 becomes difficult to steer as speed builds. The cables are not overly tensioned. Still, as speed increases, so does the load on the helm. Rather than easily made finger tip corrections on the wheel, it takes two hands to turn.

What's my problem?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[neilpride]

Rudder bearings.

Look moving the rudder from side to side to the top of the rudder post, where you hook the emergency steering bar.

[cr180]

Assuming c&c 36 sailboat. Does it do it under power or just under sail particularly as boat heels? If under sail only, condition is common to all sailboats and is called weather helm. It can be reduced by falling off the wind, easing main sheet, or letting traveler out. If under power, agree with others, should look at rudder bearing.

[robert sailor]

Your sails are not properly trimmed in higher winds probably going to weather.
If you had the main reefed your helm would be more balanced and the boat would steer much lighter.

[wyb2]

I read it as difficult to turn in both directions, so not weather/lee helm or a floating/sinking rudder. Rather the friction in the system is increasing. OP can clarify.

If so, a bearing issue does make sense, drag over the rudder at speed puts load into the bearings, whereas in still water the rudder can just kinda hanging there and rotate easily.

[Seighlor]

Thanks to all for your thoughts. My situation is not a matter of weather helm. The boat's sail plan is well balanced.

Since my original post I've been doing a bit of Google research. Conclusion: The fault is most likely in the lower rudder bearing. I dread the challenge of installing a replacement but don't see an alternative.