Steering gear is Teleflex push-pull mechanical steering on the console. A custom-cast bronze bezel supports the helm unit behind the bronze and teak, spoked wheel. All of this drives a rugged rudder assembly. The bronze tiller arm mounts on the 1 1/4" stainless steel rudder shaft, which carries a fiberglass blade. The bronze rudderport supports and seals the top, while the bottom is supported by a 1/2" bronze gudgeon which is morticed and bolted to the keel skeg.

The 1 1/4" propeller shaft is supported by a bronze stuffing box bolted to the shaft log on the inside and a bronze cutlass bearing stern casting on the outside. The stern casting is bolted to the oak sternpost at the end of the keel. This setup easily handles loads from the diesel engine and the 17" x 15" bronze propeller.

<previous | next>