Ericson 30+ emergency steering deck plate

[yodaears]

Hey all. Anyone know what tool is compatible to get the deck plate off for access to emergency steering? I can't find mine and don't remember what the thing was called. I've looked at a number of spanner wrenches from local auto parts stores but none seem to fit. Ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Loren Beach]

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/entry.php?134-quot-Key-quot-for-rudder-head-Deck-Plate

I put up a couple of blog entries about this in 2013.
I am sure that there is a commercial pivot-arm device/bronze thingie ($) to open these plates, but it is cheaper and more precise to just make your own. (IMHO)

 

[yodaears]

awesome! thanks.

 

[woolamaloo]

Loren's homemade device is far superior. I bought one of these (before I joined the forum). It's a total pain to use and even the smaller pins were too big. I had to drill bigger holes in the deck plate. I made two of Loren's version with parts I had on hand in about 10 minutes. One is in my tool case and one is duct taped to the emergency tiller.

 

[67rway]

Deck Plate Wrench

Needed (and used) mine today!!

https://www.groco.net/sw-2531

 

[bgary]

I have a number of these around the boat, including one that lives near the inspection port on my fuel tank, and one that is taped to the side of the emergency tiller...

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/sea-dog-line-deck-plate-key