18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [16] 



THE RUDDER AND STEERING GEAR. 



The Albatross was designed to perform much of her work stern to 

 wind and sea, making it necessary to give unusual attention to the 

 rudder and its appointments. The several parts are much heavier 

 and stronger than usual in vessels of her size, and the appliances 

 for controlling its movements are more powerful than will be found in 

 steamers of twice her tonnage. 



RUDDER ATTACHMENTS. 



There is a yoke, or quadrant, on the rudder-stock a little below the 

 spar-deck beams, carrying the chains to which the steel wire tiller- 

 ropes are connected ; an iron tiller on the poop deck, and a yoke for a 

 powerful screw steering-gear on the upper extremity of the stock, also 

 on the poop deck. Projecting from the rudder is a short tiller to wbich 

 are attached the rudder chains ordinarily carried by steamers. 



HIGGINSON & CO.'S STEAM QUARTERMASTER. 



This admirable steering gear is located in the pilot-house (Plate VI), 

 and is operated either by hand or steam, the change from one to the 

 other being effected in a few seconds without interfering with the con- 

 trol of the helm. The same wheel is used in either case, and a spoke 

 has the same effect on the rudder in both cases. The fact that very 

 little exertion is required when steam is used is the only indication the 

 helmsman has that he is not steering by hand. 



A chain passes over the chain-wheel, which is fitted to take the links, 

 to prevent slipping, and the terminals of the chain are attached to the 

 steel wire tiller-ropes which run aft under the spar-deck beams and 

 connect with the chains on the yoke. 



This apparatus is very compact, and has performed its work in a 

 thoroughly satisfactory manner, without accident or cost for repairs. 

 It was furnished by the Pusey and Jones Company, Wilmington, Del. 



AUXILIARY STEERING-GEAR (PLATE XIII). 



This powerful screw gear is used when it is necessary to put the ves- 

 sel stern to a heavy sea, as in sounding and dredging, and is designed 

 to hold the rudder rigidly, thus relieving the ordinary steering-gear 

 from unusual strains. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal elevation, and Fig. 2 a 

 plan view of the apparatus. The yoke c is keyed to the upper end of 

 the rudder- stock /, and the arms d, which have a screw-thread at one 

 extremity working on the right and left hand screw-shaft i, and a hole 

 in the opposite extremity for the reception of the pins a, are the means 

 of connection between the yoke c, the screw-shaft i, and the steering- 

 wheel I. 



The arms d are held in a horizontal position by the guide-rod e, which 

 is supported by the adjustable bearings &, which also carry the screw- 

 sliaft. 



To disconnect the gear, remove the pins a from the arras d and the 

 slots &, when the rudder will move freely. 



