Wheel Brake

[WattsIsland]

OK folks, I have searched the web and the forums and I don’t find much to help.

I have purchased an Island Packet 26, an old one, hull #9. It has wheel steering that is direct drive to a quadrant. It has never had a wheel brake and I want to fit one, for obvious reasons when single handing.

Has anyone ever made a brake for a one inch steering shaft? I see the ones fro Edson that cost a small fortune for not much and it seems that fabricating one can’t be that hard.

I could use any suggestions.

Thanks.

[Minnewaska]

I've tied more than one wheel pin off to a nearby grab rail, as a brake. In fact, I could swear my last bareboat charter had a small line permanently attached to the side of the helm for this purpose.

[WattsIsland]

Thanks - A tie off works but I also like the ability to dampen (but not fully stop) the steering action in following seas etc. A synch around the steering shaft would also help but I was looking for an actual braking collar set up of some type.