Emergency Rudder for a Com-Pac?

[HJ51]

Has anyone given any thought to preparing for the loss of steering on their Com-Pac?  Many boats have options built in, but Com-Pac does not as far as I know. 

I have a CP27 and recently bent my rudder post when I came down hard on a sand bottom in the bottom of a wave trough.  Did not lose steering but it was difficult and definitely made me think about contingency plans since I was crossing shipping channels in Tampa Bay.

[wes]

Look under your helm seat and you should see a round plastic access port. Unscrew it. You'll be looking down at the top of your rudder post. The boat came with a galvanized emergency tiller that's stored deep in the bilge, possibly wrapped in burlap. It has a head meant to slip over the top of the rudder post and engage with the key on the aft side of the post.

If your tiller is missing, Hutchins will probably be able to supply a replacement.

View from above (at bottom of photo):



View from below:



Wes

[Summerall]

Do they make tillers at Hutchins or do they have a supplier?

[wes]

Unknown. Mine looks pretty home-brew (welded from galvanized steel stock) so I'd guess Hutchins, but I've seen different styles on other CP-27s so they may have changed since my 1988 boat was made. I don't see it listed on the Hutchins parts list for this model. Quick call or email to Matt in the parts dept would clear this up.

Wes

[HJ51]

Well what do you know?!  I had no idea.  Thanks, Wes.  Is yours a 27?  I won't be back to my boat for another month or so and can't look for this until then, but I know I've got the horizontal propane tank under my helm seat.  I've only had it out once or twice and never noticed an access port but I will certainly check as soon as I'm on the boat.

Assuming it's there that would solve problems with the steering linkage like a broken cable.  It wouldn't help for any problems with the rudder itself though.  Anybody have thoughts on that? 

[wes]

Yes, mine is a 1988 CP-27. Hull number 74.

I'm not aware of any sailboat that has a built in emergency system that will handle complete rudder or rudder post breakage. BoatUS or TowBoat USA annual towing insurance is an excellent idea.

Most steering failures are from cable breakage or loose cables slipping off the sheaves. Annual visual check, cable tension check and lube for the cables and sheaves (use motor oil, not grease) is a good idea.

I don't like blocking access to the emergency steering hatch with anything under the helm seat that's not easily moved.

Wes

[BobK]

This is where you get out the McGiver book of tricks.  You can steer a sailboat using the sails - tighten the mainsail brings you closer to the wind - loosening it causes the boat to fall off.  You can go complete McGiver by lashing a cabinet door or the toilet lid to the whisker pole and using it as the rudder.
BobK

[HJ51]

Thanks everybody.  Sail Magazine had a good article on rigging (and procuring) emergency rudders.  https://www.sailmagazine.com/diy/know-how-rigging-emergency-rudders

Wes:  not directly related, but just out of curiosity, do you have propane onboard and if so where is your locker for it?

[wes]

No, I don't have propane. The original two burner Origo alcohol stove works fine for my needs. Long term I'd like to install a microwave for use in port.

Wes