Emergency Tiller?

[JohnH]

I come from a sailboat background, so perhaps this question indicates unnecessary worry in the context of an R21EC. That said, is it possible to attach an emergency tiller directly to the rudder post in the event that the linkage to the steering wheel failed? Is it practical to disconnect the linkage at the small tiller arm on the rudder and attach some direct control arm? Has anyone done this?

-- John H

 

[JamesTXSD]

I don't have an answer to your emergency tiller question, John, but keep in mind that the rudder on a powerboat doesn't have anywhere near the force put on a sailboat rudder. How often have you heard of a sailboat rudder failing while the boat was under motor power? Put the heeling force and the additional force put on the rudder due to weather helm, and you have a greater potential for a problem.

I'm not saying it's an unnecessary concern, but less of a probability compared to most sailboats. And like on a sailboat, you could get some steerage by warping lines or dragging a bucket on one side.

Best wishes,
Jim B.