Emergency tiller/rudder

[sneuman]

Any thoughts on constructing a simple emergency rudder/tiller arrangement - just in case?

I can only think of installing gudgeon/pintel arrangement to hang one off the transom, but don't really want to go to that much trouble for an emergency arrangement that might never be used.

on the other hand, I would like to have something up my sleeve if the need should arise.

[Talbot]

system will depend on the boat and the type of rudder arrangement. for example, I have a transom hung rudder, with an additional stainless box section through bolted on the rudder. I have an emergency tiller handle that fits into this box and provides all that I need.

If your rudder is a through hull system, you need to add something to the head of the rudder stock and provide access to that from somewhere that you can steer. You also need to ensure that you can seal that access around the emergency tiller bar.

[GordMay]

Goto Emergency Tillers at:
http://www.southernseasmarine.com/je...ock/stocks.htm
and
http://www.southernseasmarine.com/je...ler/tiller.htm
and
http://www.jefa.com/ ~specifically~ http://www.jefa.com/rudder.htm
then click on 'examples', then 'wheel steered boat rudder'

[Jeff H]

One classic jury rigged emergency rudder (vs emergency tiller) set up uses a plywood blade that is attached to the end of the spinnaker pole to form a steering oar, which is then lashed between the stern cleats. This is harder to do than it sounds so it is generally recommended that you try rigging and sailing with it before you need to count on it.

Jeff

[sneuman]

Thanks all for the replies. I am most interested in a full tiller/rudder system. Jeff's solution seems like a good one. Since I have the time, I might as well make a purpose-built emergency rudder that I can stash under one of the quarter berths. I have an oar on board that would make the tiller stock just fine. Any thoughts on the shape/size of an emergency transom-hung rudder for a 28ft sloop with a thru-rudder. Not much freeboard.

[BC Mike]

My boat is 28 feet and 7400 pounds and I built a new transom hung rudder for it, so I am familiar with the size. I can give you dimensions if required.
Michael

[sneuman]

Yes, please do. Thanks.

On my 28' double ender, I have installed an oarlock, and use one of my sweeps. It works, but I would not cross an ocean with it. She is a heavy boat at 8 tons, and cutter rigged, but a 12' sweep seems to be adaquate to steer the boat even in tight quarters in calm conditions. I have not had occasion to need it, so I have not tried anything to rough, or long distance.

[BC Mike]

I posted rudder dimensions under a different heading, hope you found them.
Michael

[sneuman]

Hi Mike,

I haven't been able to locate your posted dimensions. Can you point me in the right direction please?

[BC Mike]

There may be a quicker way but I found it by going to Members, on the bar above, then B, down to BC Mike and view all posts, on page 3 I found a post about rudders and that lead me to Yacht maintainance / boat building tips. Looking there on page 2 I found my post under Rudder dated 20 August 2005.
Good luck, let me know if you need any more info.
Michael