Help to find/build/buy emergency tiller for P34

[bobdamiano]

Hello Sailnet,

Our new-to-us Pearson 34 purchased over the winter came with no Emergency Tiller. We're having a hell of a time finding one or even the drawings for one. We've been working with a contractor who can have one made by a welding shop provided we carefully measure and sketch quite a few details of what we need.

Does anyone have any suggestions for an easier way of acquiring an ET? I've called Edson, D&R, Kellog, Defender and Pearson Composites. As of now, I'm back to sq one. If anyone has an original manual or any engineering drawings that show the tiller in detail, that would be great.

TIA

Bob

[LinekinBayCD]

My new to me Cape Dory MS 300 did not have one back in 2005 when I bought her. (I wonder what % of boats actually have one). I had one fabricated from aluminum by the yard where she was based at a cost of about $350 and they wanted way more. The original estimate was around $250-$300. If I would have had more time I would try and mock one up myself using plastic pipe to design the "key" and handle that would be needed, then get a local welding shop to make one up. It's not like they are super complicated. You need the key to fit and stay in place, have some kind of handle with leverage to turn the pipe and key and make sure that the handle will clear what ever might be in the way. Haven't needed to use it so far.