steering failure

[ken]

I own a 1981 hunter 27 with pedestal steering. On the weekend while sailing in 20+ winds the steering gave out. I had to drop sails, anchor, and try to fashion something that would serve as an emergency tiller.(lost the old one) We were able to make it back using the mop handle inserted into the hole that is in the steering plate located under the stern storage compartment. The part that broke was a rusted out plate that the two small pulleys were attached to. It appears that it is the same plate that the edson steering pedestal is connected to the under side of the cockpit flooring. Does anyone know if that part is still available or do I need to get a whole new system. It is a chain and cable. Any help will be appreciated. It was my first day out this season!!

 

[Ed Schenck]

Edson part is available.

I assume it is the same as my 1979 H37C, the round 4" pedestal. On my boat the plate with the pedestal idlers is part #776-4. It is on page 2 of the Related Link if you have Acrobat. In an old Edson catalog it is page 22. The price a couple of years ago was $159.Years ago I wrote for an Edson catalog and included my boat's model and year. They sent a catalog plus a Xerox copy of the exact configuration of the steering in my boat including part numbers.But before you spend too much call Hunter.

 

[Ron Vanderveer]

Merriman Yacht Specialties

KenThe original equipment on those early 1980s 27s was the Merriman Yacht Specialties pedestal. It is on ours, which is a 1982. That Edson (if it is an Edson) pedestal is probably a replacement. That's good for you 'cause Merriman is out of business now.You might want to make sure of the brand. If it's Edson, they will be able to help you out. If it's Yacht Specialties, check the archives, or again call Edson for help. They can lead you to some alternatives, hopefully.Take care,Ron