aux tiller

[Nicky K.]

This maybe an odd question and impossible but I'm asking, I have a Classic Ranger R-21 I've once lost all steering and had a close call and I love the open decks of the R-21 and think i would enjoy operating it from the rear bench, is or has any one created a way to attach a tiller arm to the rear rudder or steering mech. under the seat?

 

[baz]

Hmmmmm..... Do you have EXTRA long arms so that while steering the boat on the stern seat you can reach forward into the cabin to access the engine controls ? ...or maybe 1st mate will control the engine for you.... 😉

 

[JamesTXSD]

Not an odd question. Most of the commercial boats I've driven have had some sort of emergency tiller. None of them could be steered by that from the helm, so you ideally would have two people coordinating throttle(s)/shifting and the steering. The idea isn't that you will take the boat to your slip - it is to give you steerage to get out of trouble and/or get the boat/crew/passengers headed towards a safe harbor and help. That's why it's called "an emergency tiller."

It may be as simple as having an inspection hatch above the steering arm connected to the rudder, and some way to attach "a tiller" to that steering arm.

For Coast Guard inspections, I have had to demonstrate how to attach and use an emergency tiller, including how to direct crew.

So, a good question, and something that deserves consideration.

 

[Boatagain]

I was on a Beneteau Swift Trawler recently. There on the cockpit floor, just in front of the transom, was a rather large fitting that looked like the side of a sailboat winch. It was for an emergency tiller and I was told that they are mandatory in Europe. Just sayin...

 

[bob daily]

Installed a cockpit steering on my R21EC for fishing have pictures if you give me a call at (509)539-5509 will text them!

 

[Stewartlockwood]

i had a very close call myself when one of the key bolts sheared off. Luckily I had someone else with me in the boat and i could steer the boat by hanging right over the back and pushing the rudder left or right as needed with a paddle. My first mate told me the directions and kept the speed low. Not recommended, but it got us home. I have a few pictures of the repairs online here.

 

[bob daily]

Hope to spend more time fishing and be where the action is vice just driving the boat!