Tiller attachment point to tubular rudder shaft

[R. A. Lueck]

I've had to drill out the bolt hole in the cylindrical shaft the my tiller mounts to that operates the rudder. I'm not comfortable with this current repair as I'm concerned the bolt hole will experience the same thing again as this is a point of which there is considerable stress. It is my opinion this shaft should have been constructed of a thicker wall tubular SS of solid SS round shaft material. I'm considering welding a SS sleeve over the top of the existing tubing at the connection point and modifying the SS plates that attach the tiller on both sides of the shaft. Welding a sleeve over the existing tubular member does concern me as there will be the possibility of a "weakened" area caused by the weld heat that may cause the existing tubular material to twist and possibly shear.1. Short of replacing the existing tubular shaft with a solid shaft (I've heard this is a major undertaking), what other remedies are available? 2. What is the O.D. of the existing tubular shaft on a 1994 26S?

 

[Chris (Mac 26S)]

Square SS tube

You need to be able to remove the rudder tube in a 26S - they can twist/shear off plus the rudder attachment welds have been known to fail.I'm having the same problem with the original tiller. I noticed that Ida Sailor has a square SS extension with an "L" bracket to limit tiller height. Square tube makes sense as it'll provide much more support/less wear at the tiller attachment/pivot point.At nearly $50 US (plus shipping), I'm going to call the local metal supermarket and see what 6 inches of 1 inch ID square SS costs. Bet it's cheaper!Chris

 

[R.A. Lueck]

Thanks

I've looked into the IdaSailor product to raise the tiller. I think I will attempt to fabricate my own out of 316 SS as I have a couple of additional considerations I would like to address that the IdaSailor unit does not.