How to fix steering wheel broken chain

[suiramor]

The chain connecting the steering wheel to the rudder control snapped today while I was sailing up west coats of Vancouver Isl. I made it to a little cove on the coast but now need to figure out how to get home. The emergency rudder works but it I can't imagine using it for more than an hour or so - it requires a lot of strength to operate (mine is a 46ft sailboat). I am looking for ideas on how to get out from this pickle.
Do I remove the steering wheel (attached with 3 bolts to the steering column as per picture) and then somehow re-attach the chain once I take it out? Is the end of the chain attached to its other end or something on the wheel mechanism? Could my autopilot (Raymarine) do the steering even if the chain is loose?

[suiramor]

Found an online manual, that may help. https://www.lewmar.com/sites/default...Manual_web.pdf

[Emmalina]

Take the broken link out of the chain then change it when you get back. Or find a motorbike shop for a new piece of chain !

[Lepke]

Remove the broken link. Use some wire to form the missing link to the next chain link. Multiple passes if using small wire.

[suiramor]

Originally Posted by Lepke

Remove the broken link. Use some wire to form the missing link to the next chain link. Multiple passes if using small wire.

Thanks.

The broken link was different to the others - that the one that connects to the cable. Yes, wire would have been an option. I was a bit worried the sharp edges of the cable terminal would cut through it. I ended up using a cotter pin. Hope it holds till I get back to civilization. The usually windless but full of waves passage is daunting.

Thanks Emmalina and Lepke for your replies. Its comforting to have received them.

[donradcliffe]

Unless you have a wheel Autopilot, use the autopilot most of the time.

[psk125]

Putting a tackle on the emergency tiller can help make it a lot easier to use.

[Wolfe10]

Looking at the picture in post #5, it appears that just the pin gave way.


Should be able to replace it with another pin when you get back to civilization.

[NorthCoastJoe]

Cotter pins are very soft, try to limit shock loads on it. A screw might be better if you can remove a screw and nut from something that is not needed for your navigation, and use that in place of the cotter pin.