H260 Emergency Tiller

[George H260]

It occurred to me that I've never tried the emergency tiller on the H260. It appears that the little ears don't give much leverage to steer with. I assume most similar small boats have something similar. Since I have the wheel I think a realistic test would require disconnecting the steering cable which I don't want to do.Maybe I have to come up with a device to attach to the little ears to give more leverage? Has any 260 owner tried to steer with the emergency tiller and how hard is it? 

 

[JC on Bainbridge]

Hmmm...there ought to be another part

I can't believe they expect you to steer with those little ears. The force of the water won't even let you turn it 1/100th of a degree.I expect there is another piece hidden somewhere on the boat. Or maybe the PO has it, or lost it. Something that will connect onto this piece (with ears) and has a long handle on it.If you can't find it, you may be able to fashion some out of a metal pipe fitting and a pipe.

 

[Ross]

Tiller

George;Did you try connecting the emergency tiller pipe below the stern rail? That's how I connect mine. The pipe has a much lower angle (better steering leverage) and the forward end of the pipe just clears aft of the wheel.Good Luck

 

[Brett, Charlotte, NC]

Hmmm...

I don't think the ears are for anything except maybe tying a rope or something to the tiller. The opposite end should have a hole in it to screw to the little bracket at the top of the rudder. No twisting should be neccessary. Unless I am a total goof.

 

[George H260]

Stupid is as stupid does...

Ross is right, went out today and hooked it up as he suggested and felt pretty stupid that I had not figured it out on my own....

 

[BobSail]

Yeah but...

you were actually thinking a step ahead of all the rest of us. I had never given any thought to the emergency tiller, and the fact of the matter is - it's a whole lot better to understand its application now, then when it's dearly needed as the boat is wandering without steerage into an oncoming grain barge (common on our river). I thank you for giving us the idea to pull it out and understand its use. I think most readers would agree!

 

[Reudi Ross]

George

I checked mine before going to mexico and insalled a 1/4" bolt in the rear hole on the rudder bracket and stuck a 3/8" bolt thru the emergency tiller with a wing nut so I won't be looking for hardware and tools if and when I need it