Recently I decided to checkout the emergency steering tiller for my O'Day 35 and found two odd things: First the tiller seems too long. Its L shaped with short end going down to the top of the rudder shaft. If it could point directly forward (it can't because of second problem), the long part would be too long as it would hit the steering wheel or if the steering wheel was off it would hit the pedestal. Secondly there is a slot that the short part goes into that prevents it from facing directly forward. It can only be inserted so that the long part is at about an 80 degree angle to the centre line on the starboard side. But this does eliminate the first problem as there is enough room for the long part off to the starboard side and it can rotate enough to turn the rudder completely. But it seems like a very ackward position to steer the boat. Is this normal? Should the emergency tiller be pointing off centre almost 80 degrees to the side? I thought it would be like an normal tiller and be pointing straight ahead when the rudder is in the middle.
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Priorities?
If it faced straight ahead, it would have to be shorter, as you point out. If it's shorter, then it's much harder to steer with it. It's hard to steer with them anyway, I have some experience in that area. You could move the steering pedestal forward, but that's silly since you may never use the emergency tiller. So, what you have is the best that could be done given the cockpit layout. So, inspect your steering cables regularly, keep them properly adjusted, and maybe you'll never have to use it.
If it faced straight ahead, it would have to be shorter, as you point out. If it's shorter, then it's much harder to steer with it. It's hard to steer with them anyway, I have some experience in that area. You could move the steering pedestal forward, but that's silly since you may never use the emergency tiller. So, what you have is the best that could be done given the cockpit layout. So, inspect your steering cables regularly, keep them properly adjusted, and maybe you'll never have to use it.
J
J.B. Dyer
Make Do Affair
Hi Paul: I've got the same deal on my O34, but mine runs off at about a 45 degree angle. I don't think they are designed to be practical, just to make do in case of an emergency. I've never had to use mine (knock on wood) but I've found that when you take the wheel off it gives you a little bit more room to work with it. If it really bothers you though, you could reslot the tiller to an angle that better suits you, probably be the cheapest solution. Luck with it!
Hi Paul: I've got the same deal on my O34, but mine runs off at about a 45 degree angle. I don't think they are designed to be practical, just to make do in case of an emergency. I've never had to use mine (knock on wood) but I've found that when you take the wheel off it gives you a little bit more room to work with it. If it really bothers you though, you could reslot the tiller to an angle that better suits you, probably be the cheapest solution. Luck with it!
I've seen some boats where emergency
tiller is in the aft cabin and it's like driving a float in the Rose Parade, spotter in cockpit yelling directions down to a helmsman that can't see and can barely steer.
tiller is in the aft cabin and it's like driving a float in the Rose Parade, spotter in cockpit yelling directions down to a helmsman that can't see and can barely steer.
A
Augie Byllott
Emergency tiller
Since there is so little room for the traditional swing of what amounts to a tiller, consider cutting a new slot so that the tiller points aft. You should be able to exercise more control over the rudder. Given the effort needed to handle this awkward setup, you may find it helpful to run lines, port and starboard, from the end of the aft-facing emergency tiller through blocks on your genoa tracks and tied together across the cockpit. With sufficient tension (use a spanish windlass), the lines should act as a brake and make things easier. Move the tiller by pulling on the knot.
Since there is so little room for the traditional swing of what amounts to a tiller, consider cutting a new slot so that the tiller points aft. You should be able to exercise more control over the rudder. Given the effort needed to handle this awkward setup, you may find it helpful to run lines, port and starboard, from the end of the aft-facing emergency tiller through blocks on your genoa tracks and tied together across the cockpit. With sufficient tension (use a spanish windlass), the lines should act as a brake and make things easier. Move the tiller by pulling on the knot.
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