Miss American Pie II New to the Community!

[MissAmericanPie]

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.

[Hardhead]

You've proven the KISS paradigm. Good looking boat.

[Adelie]

Welcome.

[roverhi]

Do I have Ms American Pie I??? My Sabre 28 came with the name and thought long and hard about changing it but it's kind of grown on me especially after listening to the full length version of the song.

Congratulations on converting to a tiller. Ms. A.P. was one of the few Sabre 28's built with a tiller and I converted my Pearson 35 to tiller after swearing at the wheel for nearly 10 years. Why would anyone put a wheel on a boat less than 40'???

[MissAmericanPie]

My boat came with the name also, when I had the helm in steering was sooo sluggish, now I turn on s dime! Do you have an auto pilot for your tiller?

[roverhi]

Yes have a basic Navico TP10 tiller pilot. Steered the boat under power most of the way down from SF without a problem. Haven't tried it under sail so don't know how well it will steer the boat. On another boat had a wheel pilot that did great under power but a total failure under sail.

Have a WindPilot Pacific Light pendulum servo self steering vane but had no wind to sail on the delivery and have only used it under light air conditions here in SoCal.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Keith.