Any idea what this pic is of?

[DSWright1]

I am baffled. Found this item on my boat but cannot work out what the hell it is for. Does anyone know?

 

[Steve Clayton]

With what looks like a keyway on one end it could be an emergency tiller

 

[VicS]

A key for a filler or a drain plug?

How big is it?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

its a lock key for canals...

 

[christopherc]

Looks like an emergency tiller to me. Had to use one once, always made sure I knew what it looked like and where it was on any boat i've sailed ever since

 

[bigmart]

Could be a roller reefing handle for the main boom.

These are used when the Mainsail is rolled around the boom to reef, as opposed to slab reefing of in mast.

It looks different to the ones I have seen but the suare on the end would certainly fit.

Martin

 

[Colin_S]

Looks like a tool for closing an electric sunroof when the motor fails. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
A clue as to the size would help.

 

[DanTribe]

One sure fire way to find out what it's for is to throw it away.
Very soon after, you will realise that it was essential for some task.
Been there, done it.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Guys.... its definitely a lock key for canals....

 

[Slow_boat]

Then what's it doing on a bendytoy based in the Solent ?

 

[bigmart]

I hate to disagree with you but Lock Keys normally have a large female square on them.

Martin

 

[graham]

We need some dimensions to have a more positive identification but if that rod is about 10 mm diameter with a square machined on the end I suspect it may be a replacement handle for a roller reefing gooseneck fitting.

On the otherhand if its about 25mm diameter or bigger i would suspect an emergency steering tiller.

PS just looked at your profile.Your boats not likely to have old fashioned roller reefing so I guess it could be a key for removing a plug from something .

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Well its identical to the one I used in the French canals...... i'm led to believe that there are many different types from sockets, to splines, both male and female... depending upon where you use them....

 

[rickp]

Doesn't look like any lock key I've used. They usually have a square hole in which you put over the paddle winding gear.

Rick

 

[Guest]

Barton Reef handle are some people trying to say ?

Nope - as it hasn't got the ridge at end where "hand-bob" is fitted so that you can hold it and turn without the metal gouging your palm to bits ..... unless someone turned it up themselves ... without handle ?

I have a packet of metal tangs lieing in bottom of a locker .... couldn't fathom out those till it dawned on me - they are locking tangs for bottlescrews !! the ones that have the small tab in the body to lock it from turning !

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

[ QUOTE ]
Then what's it doing on a bendytoy based in the Solent ?

[/ QUOTE ]Been in the french canals perhaps?

 

[Lakesailor]

That would be really awkward to use for boom reefing. They are low geared and not being cranked would be a pain.

 

[DSWright1]

IT is at least 3cm in diameter. It is pretty big and heavy, so I think I agree that it must be an emergency tiller.

Thanks very much for all the suggestions. But I have no idea how french canals got involved!!

 

[RJD393]

It is the emergency tiller for your Beneteau - it looks the same as the one I have - I guess each arm is about 750mm long

 

[Major Catastrophe]

As it only has one turn in it, it isn't a handle, so it must be for turning something and not winding something.