32 Grand Banks With A Sail And Rudder

[JeffG71]

Good Morning Everyone!

I have recently taken ownership of a sturdy little 32' Grand Banks Woody and as I am going through the vessel, I discovered it has a sail track on the mast and a handle for the rudder that goes through an access plate in the aft deck.At this point I can't find any information on this. Any information would be helpful.

Jeff

78 Trojan F32
71 Scat Craft 21'
72 Grand Banks Sedan 32

[Sailmonkey]

I’d guess the track is for a steadying or riding sail, and the tiller is for use if the main steering system fails.

[JeffG71]

Thanks Sailmonkey, that's about where I was thinking.

[RainDog]

If your GB is like mine, there should be two parts for the emergency steering: a metal piece that goes through the access plate and slides over the rudder post and a wood tiller that clips onto the metal piece.

Based on the discussions I have read, the riding sail is considered little more than decorative my most owners but some feel it helps steady the boat and/or reduce sailing at anchor.

[Chuck Hawley]

My guess is that you could do a credible job of steering your GB with the emergency tiller. You'd need a heading reference that you could see from the "helm", and of course someone to make sure you were not going to hit another boat.

However, you may need to have a hydraulic cross connect to make it so you're not fighting the hydraulic steering. I think all it requires is a connection with a ball valve from one side of the cylinder to the other. Without this, presuming there's a hydraulic system with oil in it, you won't be able to move the rudder.

Cheers,

Chuck

[Captain John]

Just a Reminder the first American Marine Hull was a Sailing Vessel. S.V. Cutty Sark, built in Hong Kong 1957-1960, which I own. SV Cutty Sark – Æolian Adventures, Inc.
Sorry I tried to attach a photo, but was unable. but there are some good pix on the web site.

[Rumbottle]

I understand that the small sail on the original Newfoundland Grand Banks fishing boats was used as a steading sail and assisting in keeping the bow somewhere toward the wind. The tiller is for emergency use and was not used during fishing - as the entire deck area immediately abaft the wheelhouse (there was no extended cabin in the fishing boats) was the working deck.