Sailed down to Sydney from Port Stephens last weekend , the forecast was for 15 to 20 knots nw With a coastal wind warning . We had no wind to speak of for 9 hours and motored down with jib up catching occasional gusts , then we got the 30 knots plus as predicted that got the speed up . Swell was around 2.5 metres and all was going great until coming down a wave the helmsman steered port instead of starboard and we were then side on to the wave , the helmsman was thrown onto the cockpit seating using the pedastal to slow his fall . I spilled my coffee and we lost the biscuits . The steering was heavy after that , still worked but heavy , I made sure the emergency tiller was in its cubby hole just in case . Made it to Sydney ok
Inspected damage today and the cast aluminium base on the inside of the boat has Brocken in 3 places , is there a place in sydney to try and match it up or will I have to make one from 12 mm aluminium plate The boat was built in the 80s and no name on pedastal
Sorry for long post but put in background of breakage so you knew why it broke
Have you got a photo or dimensions of the pedestal? Someone like me may have a spare one in the backyard
Hi,
Harken in Brookvale are the Australian agent for Edson, who manufacture steering gear.
I have a late 80's pedestal that I replaced a few years ago, is ok except for superficial
corrosion at the base, and the screws at the compass mounting are seized. You are welcome to it if you want. I am on the central coast, north of Sydney. Send a pm if you are interested.
Someone on the forum has just recently taken a pedestal wheel steering unit off their yacht and gone to tiller.
Have a look at the for sale section. If no luck dredge back through the threads.
Edit:- Oh yeah!! I just did the dredging and it is claverton who has just posted a couple above.
I suggested he advertise it as a shed enhancement but he didn't like that idea.![]()