You see the 36’ long hull, the steering wheel and some levers attached to it, but what are they attached to and how does it work? In an outboard, such as a little Peterborough that has a forward steering wheel, you can see the cables that wrap around the steering wheel. It is a pretty simple mechanism. An outboard tiller and throttle is even simpler. The fully decked boat, hides all these bits and pieces from view. It makes for a sleek and clean appearance, but isn’t so convenient when something needs to be repaired. And if the steering to the rudder fails, what do you do? Open the rudder hatch near the transom and use a tiller to steer the boat. I have never seen it done, but it must be a challenge for a single passenger to steer and control speed from the stern.
Nika is receiving a major restoration at Rob Gerig’s shop. She is still upside down while planks are being replaced. All the mechanicals of the 37’ launch have been removed while the work is being done. When I dropped by this time, the chromed exhaust pipes, steering wheel, column and cable assembly and assorted brass fittings, dash gauges, knobs and levers, had been placed on the hull. It is an impressive assortment of hardware when all piled up. At the end of MLA boat show, the effectiveness of the rudder and steering was impressive as some of the launches took off, churning the water with their big propellers.
By Tim Du Vernet
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