Emergency tiller

[belybuster]

Just sailing my 23D today and wondering what I would do if the tiller, or something else on the rudder broke.  It's an inboard diesel with no outboard engine to steer.  Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[Potcake boy]

One quick solution is to use a small drogue (something like a bucket) on a bridle connected to your stern cleats. Adjust the bridal from side to side to turn the boat. Slow, but should get you to safety.

[brackish]

I actually had a tiller break off that looked ok from the outside, but was dry rotted from the inside out.  We jury rigged it by lashing it to the yoke but after that experience I made an emergency tiller with a square aluminum tube that would quickly fit over the yoke and get me home.  This was not for my Compac but for a boat that, like yours, had an inboard so steering with the motor was not possible.

[belybuster]

That's a couple of good ideas!  Think I'll try out that bucket idea and look around for some square aluminum stock.
Thanks!

[Vipersdad]

You could try your boat hook or whisker pole and a "zillion" feet of duct tape.

V.

[belybuster]

Boat hook makes a lot of sense.

[Bob23]

A small length of 2x4 or similar lumber could be clamped to the rudder head alongside the 2 side plates and presto! Instant tiller! If something down lower breaks such as the rudder itself, the rudder housing or the gudgeons, well...how good are you at thinking quick? We can't prepare for every emergency so frequent inspection is a must.
Bob23

[belybuster]

2x4 is a good idea, thanks Bob.  You are right, we can't for see every problem but the ones that we can think up and plan for probably turn out better.