Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 10:31:25 -0500
From: "STORE4 Cambridge" <store4@rockler.com> To: STORE4@rockler.com
Subject: B24 / B27 Steering Solution
With regard to the B24 engine steering problem:
I have a b27 and have made two modifications to overcome the absolutely terrible ability to back down with any hope of guessing the direction. First, I replaced the 3-blade on my 9,9 with a 4-blade. Since hull speed is 5 or so, then I was wasting all the top end of the motor (as if on a planing hull) with the standard prop. I switched to a 4 blade to throw the horsepower to torque, and it saved our butts in the 5-knot current of the Cape Cod Canal last summer when we had to run against it (at 1-knot forward) to dodge a barge.
Unfortunately I paid $150 for the prop; I'm certain I could have found it for less. Still, it saved our boat.
The second thing I did was to connect the tiller to the engine, through lines and pulleys. I put a stout mahogany quadrant that I made, on the 1 1/4" rudder post, and connected 1/4" sta-set-x low stretch lines to it, thru baby harken pulleys. The lines attach to an athwartships bar (1" x 3/4" x 12") inside the lazarette, with a 1/2" hole at 6". The bar then seats over a 3/8" diameter by 2" fore-and-aft pin I put on the front of the engine. Now when the helm goes to port, the engine goes to port and the (reverse and forward) thrust is where I want it. Harbors are much easier now.
I still control the throttle and shift, but at least the reverse thrust of the engine isn't slamming the helm off to port or starboard, and I have one fewer tillers to control. When I'm not in the harbor, or just sailing, the bar slides off the pin on the front of the engine and I keep the engine centered to minimize drag.