Halo
Well-known member
Last Tuesday I was having a great sail up to Sunderland for lunch. Massive pod of dolphins off Hartlepool and a great offshore breeze. Then total loss of steering
We dropped the sails ,fitted the emergency tiller and motored back. It only took 5 minutes to get control but was glad we were in a quiet area.
When we got back I lifted the cockpit floor and found the drag link had fallen off. Lewmar part AHFT 10 refers. The joint had worn and fallen off. I refitted it and used a large washer to stop it falling off again. See photo below to see repair and washer. I have ordered a new one and will fit it asap There is a design weakness if it can fall off so will put the big washer back on.
We dropped the sails ,fitted the emergency tiller and motored back. It only took 5 minutes to get control but was glad we were in a quiet area.
When we got back I lifted the cockpit floor and found the drag link had fallen off. Lewmar part AHFT 10 refers. The joint had worn and fallen off. I refitted it and used a large washer to stop it falling off again. See photo below to see repair and washer. I have ordered a new one and will fit it asap There is a design weakness if it can fall off so will put the big washer back on.