I just pulled the
helm out of my 26’
Columbia. The previous owner had this intricate cable and pulley
steering system for the
helm which he had installed by fastening the pulley system to the
hull with through
hull bolts and
fiberglass.
Eventually one of the bolt fasteners rusted out and while I was under sail the
fiberglass patch gave way and the pulley ripped off leaving me without
steering. The
boat went into a tight complete 360 turn! The
mast got all jacked up, it was a memorable trip for sure.
I came home under
power using my 9.6
mercury outboard.
I now steer her with my tiller, way less can go wrong that way! There is also a lot more room for my passengers! I do have a hole in my
deck. I’m planning to install a removable
pedestal and oval table top for the enjoyment of my passengers. Another bonus is that with the pulley and cable system removed from under the
deck, I can use the
bilge which is semi dry for trip
storage.
I am also trying to convince myself I don’t miss my helm. You know what I mean, I think I really need an auto pilot for my tiller.

