No Brake on steering pedestal

[jon hansen]

was part of the delivery crew on this thing for many years. very active owner. we, of course did our runs in the worst weather. long ocean passages, huge weather. this boat, hood design, tracked like it was on rails. loved hand driving this thing. was a hoot. used the brake.

well we all know, it's all compromises when choosing a design. if you choose a boat to sit at the dock and/or hang on the anchor. prolly don't need a wheel brake. just saying

 

[ggrizzard]

Meanwhile, back to the original OP's problem...
Yes, Hunter did sell boats with wheel steering and no brake.
That's how mine was sold.
Yes, you should be able to buy a brake kit by itself. I did.
But it was for my Edson and a long time ago.
Here's one for an Edson:

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-a3x5y9g98l/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/604/2599/Pre-2003_Steerers_brake__50899.1525465106.jpg?c=2

You may get lucky.

 

[Atrecess402]

Thank you. Happy New Year

 

[MikeHoncho]

a sailboat steers with it's sails, the rudder is just for trim. it's a fact.

watch how these boys drive. very light touch

Someone forgot to tell my boat that. Lol

 

[BlowMeAway]

I have a Yacht Specialties pedestal which does not have a brake installed. There is however a threaded hole for an installation if ever needed. I haven’t found the need to do so.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

I have a Yacht Specialties pedestal which does not have a brake installed. There is however a threaded hole for an installation if ever needed. I haven’t found the need to do so.

View attachment 188696

I sail singlehanded and before I had autopilot, I found the wheel brake a great asset when hoisting sails as I could set the boat into the wind under power and keep it there until the main was up without the boat falling off the wind. I bought my 1986 Hunter 28.5 in 91 and it came with the same pedestal as BlowMeAway, only the hole was plugged with a plastic cap.
In the fall of 91, I got lucky, & found a true Merriman Yacht Specialties wheel brake. (See pics found on the net). Different design but same principle of squeezing the shaft as the one offered on this site. So if you must have one, check dimensions with Dave and make sure it will fit. Good luck

 

[sailme88]

A clubmate has a Hunter 38. While going past on the launch I happened to note the she swing site a bit and that her wheel was going stop to stop...Never good.... Had the launch put me aboard. There was NO wheel lock ! Found 2 lines in a lazarette. Centered the wheel and tied a line around the vertical spoke and made it fast to the a port cleat. Did the same to the on the stbd side. Suggested he get 2 ratchet straps that were the rust free type... He did so and it made his life easier....

 

[Meriachee]

Pulling to the left tempts a political comment, however, given we are on the eve of a new year and Phil might spank me again, I'll resist temptation.

Huh. Maybe theres a start to a new year and something to strive for?

autopilot. Poor mans steering brake.

 

[capta]

Some of the older helms were perhaps a bit heavy, but that old worm gear system stayed exactly where you left it, indefinitely.

 

[Roland5048]

I have a Yacht Specialties pedestal which does not have a brake installed. There is however a threaded hole for an installation if ever needed. I haven’t found the need to do so.

In an earlier post I wrote that I had a Merriman Pedestal. I do not. I have a Yacht Specialties pedestal. I should have written what @BlowMeAway did. Mine looks exactly the same. Happy New Year.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

In an earlier post I wrote that I had a Merriman Pedestal. I do not. I have a Yacht Specialties pedestal. I should have written what @BlowMeAway did. Mine looks exactly the same. Happy New Year.

Roland, I remember the company was often referred to as Yacht Specialties but it's full name was Merriman Yacht Specialties. But then again I could be wrong as it's been 30 years out of business.