Whitllock steering needs repair in Bahamas/South Florida

[Persy]

I have a 2001 Hunter 420, pulled into West End Bahamas today, and one of the cables on my Whitlock steering system snapped at the eye where it attaches to the chain in the pedestal.

We have 'rigged' it so that I can steer again, but certainly not a permanent fix.

Does anyone know of a reputable repair person or shop in the Abaco Islands or South Floria that could replace the cable?

Any leads very much appreciated..

cheers!

 

[RichH]

CJ's Welding in Marsh Harbor is good for such work .... but get a contract price and not an estimate, as 'estimates' in the Bahamas traditionally can escalate severely when the bill is presented. Marsh Harbor is about the only port in the Abacos that can do reliable metal repair, etc.

 

[Benny]

I think your best bet would be to ask the marina manager there at West End for a recommendation. He may have a cousin that does marine work. There are usually fair marine mechanics in all the larger islands but getting the replacement part may require your intervention. There is a car rental office there at the resort. Would not recommend crossing the Gulfstream with a rigged steering cable. You may also contact Bradfor Marine in Freeport. They work in the big mega yachts but at the least should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Persy]

thanks to both for the leads...I should be in Marsh Harbor next week and will check out CJ's.....

 

[Persy]

funny update...as I am leaving West End for northern Abacos,I turn wheel hard right to leave slip..she heads hard left....mechanic had run chain on wrong side of sprocket and right is left and left is right.... back to the drawing board....

 

[Rick D]

Well, it is British, so I guess that's understandable ;-}

 

[Persy]

ha!
well done...

 

[RichH]

Actually youll find such a wheel configuration less tiring ... as you will now when sitting to the SIDE of the wheel, 'pull' the top of the wheel instead of 'pushing' the top when beating .... ergonometrically LESS tiring. This is the way the early (stern facing) wheels worked on sail boats, imitating the same action as a TILLER.

 

[Persy]

I actually seriously thought about giving it a try....but was concerned that in a crisis situation my instincts would take over and cause me to run over a dolphin or something..