MacGregorSailors.com

RobertB wrote: Maybe if you reconsidered the oar, you could also use it as a short mast if you lost your mast

I carry an Evinrude as a replacement for my mast

I carry the tools and equipment I need to fix what I know how to fix.
Spare wire. Spare rigging stuff. Good set of all purpose tools and a cordless drill. Handsaw for metal and wood. Couple of files. Box of nuts and bolts. Some electrical stuff. Spare water pump impellor. Spare prop.
That's about it. Gallon of resin and a few yards of cloth if I'm going for very long.
I don't carry tools for the engine since I don't have the know how to fix beyond minor stuff.
On top of the tools it's the plan that's important. Knowing I can work around what I consider the weakest spot on the boat sets my mind more at ease. With some luck I'll be going down to the gulf side of the lower keys as a shake down cruise in a few weeks.

RobertB wrote:
Maybe if you reconsidered the oar, you could also use it as a short mast if you lost your mast


I carry an Evinrude as a replacement for my mast

Really? I carry a mast as a replacement for my Merc.....

Catigale wrote:

RobertB wrote:
Maybe if you reconsidered the oar, you could also use it as a short mast if you lost your mast


I carry an Evinrude as a replacement for my mast

Really? I carry a mast as a replacement for my Merc.....

That's why it took me almost two years to get through a tank of gas

Could just mount an oarlock on the transom and use one of the dinghy's oars as a rudder.

Mastreb's idea sounds like a easy, non-intrusive back up. I've considered rudder/linkage failure, but I guess, I've been relying on good fortune to see me through (knock wood). Think I'll experiment with hand steering backups before it becomes an issue (again knock wood). Has anyone tried strapping/lashing an oar, or other makeshift tiller, to the engine cowling to steer under power (very low) or under sail?

if your o/b motor is working,you can easily get by with out any kind of steering at all. in fact it will steer much tighter angles then when the motor is connected to the boats steering linkages.just open the helm seat and place foot on front of motor and turn in any direction you wish.it takes very little effort to steer with one foot while standing in the motor well,operating the throttle in the normal fashion.

Put a tiller handle on the engine in case the steering cable snaps as well

Steering Broke

In this thread from back in 2007 the first two pictures showed how we got back to the Marina. Steered about 3 miles using the boat hook and a bare foot to physically turn the motor while disconnected from steering system after the rack & pinion broke.

Rudders were down but were straight...I coulda/shoulda probably raised the rudders.

It was a very nice day...probably would have been more difficult if the waves/chop were higher.

Once back in the marina I faced backwards with my legs holding the motor and one arm reaching back to work the throttle I was able to back into my slip as pretty as you please.

So, it is pretty easy to steer the motor even if the steering system breaks.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Cheers,
Jim