This weekend we tried to remove the Emergency Tiller on our 2006 Hunter 45 CC, because it appeared to be rusting, and we wanted to repaint it. The emergenct tiller on our boat is in two pieces, a 90 degree section and a long straight section. Both sections are stored underneath the rear deck in between the two aft lazeretts. The smaller 90 degree section came right out, however after 2-hours of trying we still could not get the longer straight section out. It appeared to be wedged in. We have owned the boat for 4-years and have had no reason to remove the emergency tiller thus far. This appears to have been a bad decision on our part. In this case we were at the dock, it was a sunny day, and it made us think what would have happened if we were out at sea and really needed the emergency tiller to steer the boat. We have contacted Hunter Marine regarding this, (no responce so far) and would suggeest to all Hunter 45 CC Owners (2006 and newer) to make sure that your emergency tiller can be removed quickly if needed.
Jeff
Jeff