77' 30' Hunter Cherubini no emergency tiller
- Thread starter jmclean1963
- Start date
Lift the deck plate on the helmsman's seat. You should see the top of the rudder post. The tiller fits in that. That's the way it is on my '77. If you are lacking the tiller, a machine shop can fabricate one easily enough. Just make sure the handle is short enough to clear the wheel.
Thx for the reply, that's my problem there is no deck plate where I am used to seeing one. The only deck plate is for the fuel gage site window.
You might have to crawl into the stern and look up towards the top of the rudder post. There may be evidence of a deck plate once being there. Why anyone would glass it over is beyond me. In any case, you might have to install a deck plate that gives you access to the rudder post.
I don't see any glass work, so it may not have had one. It would be the first for me, but the deck looks factory. Kind of strange. Thanks for your help, now comes the fun part.
If your '77 H30 is like my old '80 H30, the top of the rudder post is accessible inside the lazarette that makes up the stern seat. The emergency tiller fits into the top of the rudder post and you use it with the lazarette partly open.
You are correct about the '80 H30. However, if JM's '77 is like mine, there is no lazarette cover on the stern seat, only the deck plate accessing the rudder post. JM's stern seat seems to be lacking that deck plate. I think JM's assessment is correct in that the fun has only just begun. The good news is that installing a deck plate is relatively easy. Just don't cut the hole too big.
I thought that might be your next idea. My 77' doesn't have an opening lazarette lid. I only have one opening lid on the starboard side.
Well it looks that after almost 40 years someone has found out that Hunter forgot to install a deck plate. It has apparently not been needed which could say something for the quality of the steering components. The thing is if a deck plate is not installed now and then it is needed I know I would be hard pressed to refrain from opening up a hole with the emergency tiller itself.
JM, there's not much room under the seat. If like mine. there's a 1 1/2 inch board stabilizing the top of the rudder post. Take a look first. The sawzall may be too much. A jigsaw with a short blade may be the way to go. Post pics as you go if you can.
I will when I can find the time to get aroundtuit. This is my next project after making the Admiral comfy with new cushions and bedding. Thanks for the advice and I'll get back to this post with the repair.