H-26 Replace Tiller

[BrianW]

The original aluminum tiller on my 1994 H26 cleanly broke off right where it bolts (stainless steel bolt) to the rudder head. The cause appears to be a combination of metal fatigue and corrosion. The break was about 6 inches from the aft end of the tiller. The break includedthe internal aluminum sleeve at the same point. There was no wall collapse at any point like you get when you forcefully bend aluminum tubing or an extrusion.

What do ya'll recommend for a replacement? Hunter aluminum replacement? Third-party aftermarket? Wood laminate?

Do ya'll think it's possible to make a temporary repair by shortening the remaining length of the original tiller and rebending it to clear the stern rail?

Does anyone have the name and phone number of the Hunter Rep? (last name Thomas)

Thanks,
BrianW

 

[jerseywaters]

If you go to huntermarine.com there is a technical questions page.
http://www.huntermarine.com/ContactUS/ContactIndex.cfm If you complete this with a specific question - who to order a replacement tiller from - they will respond. They usually respond within a day or two.

 

[stephbattista]

I don't recommend unbending aluminum, once bent, it's weaker - the aluminum plates on my 26 bent last season, and rebent after I disassmbled and straightened as a repair, so I had to replace rudder and tiller, and highly recommend the one that Idasailor sells.

 

[Bilgewater]

I replaced the metal tube with a laminated tiller from the HunterOwners store, which is from Ida Sailor. I'm very happy with it and recommend it highly. A tiller extension is a must, especially if you have the corner seats on the railing. I didn't do the rudder due to cost, but its on the list for the future. Best of luck.

 

[Rick Webb]

Swap it End for End

Wrap the damaged end to cover up the holes and you are all set.

 

[Pat Hooyman]

I reinforced my tiller 5 years ago but this may also work for your problem. The reason the tiller breaks is the stainless bolt that attaches the tiller to the rudder eats its way through the aluminum tiller because there is no bearing to take the friction. You need to modify the standard tiller to fix this. It turns out the inside diameter of the H26 aluminum tiller is the same as a standard closet wood hanging rod you get at Home Depot! I had one of these on hand and pushed it into the tiller from the stern end as far as it would go. Then I drilled a few holes (1/8'') vertically and put in a few stainless bolts so the aluminum and wood are solid. Next I drilled a larger hole horizontally and put a stainless tube in as a bearing and bolted through this to attach the rudder. This will work for you as a fix. – Alternately – try finding a shop that will “heliarc” the original aluminum tiller tube and put in the wood post and stainless bearing tube for future wear.

 

[BrianW]

Thank you all for your advice. I ended up buying a replacement tiller from Hunter for $85. Pat, I'll include your reinforcing tip in my installation. Rick, I'm gonna make the mod you sugested and keep the old tiller as a spare. BrianW