Has any Hunter 260 Owners seen this on their boat?

[skip@morselakesailing.com]

I purchased a hunter 260 a couple of years ago and i found this hot dipped galvanized pole about 30" long. On one end it has two loops welded in. At the other end it has a coupling with a chain and a pin attached by a chain similar to the chain by the rudder.

I uploaded a file to give you a picture if my description fails to describe accurately the part.

 

[Rob Wells]

Not an expert on the 260, but it looks similar to what I have on my 276 for me emergency tiller...

 

[Nick]

Agree with Rob... I have the similar emergency tiller adapter but slightly shorter for my H28.

 

[Kermit]

It is your emergency tiller. I highly recommend you test it before you need it. Those itty bitty fittings can get dirty or rusty and become difficult to use. I'm glad I tried mine. You'll understand about the itty bitty fittings when you use it.

 

[rgranger]

Kermit et al. Is that something that was new with the 260? I don't have one on my H26.

 

[Kermit]

Because of the wheel. No wheel no need for emergency tiller.

 

[rgranger]

Because of the wheel. No wheel no need for emergency tiller.

Dang it!

I hate it when I'm dense.

 

[Benny17441]

Because of the wheel. No wheel no need for emergency tiller.

That is correct. When a wheel steering system breaks down you need to have an emergency tiller as repairs can take time and parts but a tiller can be easily patched up in an emergency. Have had both faults happen to me and it is amazing what a couple of screws and duct tape do for a wooden tiller.

 

[Jeff]

I have one in my H335. Very hard to steer with. On a BVI trip years ago we had to use one on a Beneteau 473. It took two of us to steer with it. Fortunately it wasn't to far to a mooring field where we picked up a ball.

 

[jwilcoxon78]

Good point on testing it prior to needing it Kermit. Need to do that on mine since I'm out getting her ready.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

When using the supplied emergency tiller for the 260, please remember that due to the shortness of the tiller handle, go slow when under power. In a sense it is like backing up under full power with the engine. If sailing, go slow mode or reduced speed and make long turns not quick abrasive turns with the emergency tiller.