Emergency Tiller for 28' TE

[halfmoon]

After reading some posts regarding autopilots I questioned whether those boats that have hydraulic APs might not already have a backup steering system which operates independently from the helm.

[Russell]

Not unless you have purchased a second hydraulic cylinder for a completely separate system. My autopilot feeds into the same cylinder and I suspect most pilots are installed that way. My hydraulic cylinder failed last year and all that happens is air gradually replaces the fluid that leaks out and you have to turn the wheel more times to get a response. It worsened over several weeks so you have plenty of time to rebuild the seals in the cylinder before it stops completely. Now if you accidentally pulled off your steering wheel and dropped it overboard, the autopilot will get you home.

[RicM]

If you pull off your steering wheel and throw it overboard you probably have other problems than just how to get home!