BradOwens
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2015
- Messages
- 637
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-288 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2905E112
- Vessel Name
- Serendipity
- MMSI Number
- 367703440
Last Saturday, while returning from a day of cruising, I suddenly lost all helm control. Luckily, I was travelling at no-wake speed, and only a few hundred yards from my marina entrance. I was able to get back to my slip using thrusters for steering.
Further investigation revealed that the hydraulic piston rod had come unbolted from the tiller arm. On my boat, all those steering components are behind the auxilliary fuel tank, making inspection almost impossible. I will be adding that to my annual inspection, even if it means removing the fuel tank once a year to do it. Had I been travelling at full speed, or out in a storm, it could have been a disaster.
Something to check on your boats too.
Further investigation revealed that the hydraulic piston rod had come unbolted from the tiller arm. On my boat, all those steering components are behind the auxilliary fuel tank, making inspection almost impossible. I will be adding that to my annual inspection, even if it means removing the fuel tank once a year to do it. Had I been travelling at full speed, or out in a storm, it could have been a disaster.
Something to check on your boats too.
