Newbie: plastic ring around emergency tiller

[Delawaredave]

Newbie. 82 Hunter 27. Wheel steering. Back where the emergency tiller shaft comes up through the deck, there is a plastic "doughnut" that cracked - below is picture.

So the shaft comes up vertically, then there's a bolt horizontally through this "doughnut".

What does this doughnut do ? It is not load bearing vertically for the tiller, right ? If I take the horizontal bolt out, the tiller won't fall out, right ?

I guess I can make a replacement part out of stock nylon or polyethylene.

Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[Dellcom]

It is a wear ring and yes it keeps the tiller from lowering...search for pictures of the tiller thru hull and the tiller stuffing box...the pictures appear in the Hunter Manual that came with the boat...

 

[Steve Dion]

Contact the HOW store and see if they have a source.

 

[puddlejockey]

Nothing of any real value to add , except that I have the same boat...with the exact same issue., and the boat is new too me as well. Be aware that the ring also encapsulates the bolt, so without the ring the tiller can hang up as you're turning the wheel. Not a major issue, but it'll make you wonder unless you happen to glance down. I left the bolt in: my theory is that if I'm not sure it isn't critical...it stays in case it IS. Let me know if you find a replacement part! Thanks-

 

[fifedog]

I have tiller steering, and my ring went up a couple seasons ago as well. One of my local marine shops was able to mill me out a new one out of scrap aluminum stock. It will certainly outlast my boat, and me, my great grandchildren, the next ice-age...

 

[amcmahon]

That material is DELRIN and your local machine shop should be able to make. I paid $75 last year.