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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Tiller tamer

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PamC
Navigator

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171 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/25/2005 : 20:22:38

Here's my newbie question of the week: In my short sailing history I've encountered several different types of devices to tend the tiller while one steps away to adjust jib sheets or step forward. In fact I don't think I've seen the same method employed twice yet. Since this group seems to have so many things dialed in I thought I'd throw it out to you. What are you all using?

Pam
S/V "My Prozac"
1980 C25 SR/SK #1718

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2005 : 21:45:03

Pam, there are dozens of threads about this issue. Many of us are strong advocates of tillerpilots by Simrad or Raytheon -- they allow you to leave the tiller for more extended periods of time and relieve the monotony of hours holding a tiller. Others find various forms of manual tiller holders adequate, whether patented or non: bungee cords, etc. It depends on how much you want to spend, how variable the winds and waters in which you sail are, and how long you want to leave the tiller. I'm a tillerpilot fan, sailing in the Chesapeake. I can go below or forward for extended periods and the boat will steer a straight course.

Check the archives.

Brooke

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2005 : 22:17:50

If you just want to be able to let go for brief periods, there are a couple of low-budget options:
A [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=10192"]Davis Tiller Tamer[/url] or an adjustable [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=72206"]tiller extension[/url] and [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=14557"]lockbox [/url].
This latter setup allows you to lock the knob end of the tiller extension into a box which is set into the cockpit combing (yeah, you'll have to cut a hole for the box).
I use the tiller extension and lockbox and like it. Although, I admit I'm saving up for an auto-tiller.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2005 : 22:29:59

Cheapest yet... length of bungee cord looped once or twice (depending on conditions) around the tiller and tied off to the stern cleats on both sides. Pull a little slack in one side of the bungee to reposition the tiller.

Bob's your uncle.

Edited by - on

John P
Captain

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USA
324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 10:19:24

I use the bunge cord, but I am thinking of trying something else as it needs constant readjustment. But then again, I like to sail, so all is good.

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PamC
Navigator

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171 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 11:53:27

Thanks all. Brooke, you're right. There was a wealth of information - as usual - in archives. I'm afraid I spend so much time researching stuff I sometimes forget what I've looked up and where. We've had limited success with the bungee, but now that I'm armed with the finer points of sizing, wrapping and attachment, I suspect I'll be able to get better performance out of this humble crew member. And since I have a bevvy on board already, that will be my first line of attack. I plan to take the boat out single-handed this weekend and this was one point I wanted to improve upon. Okay, so I'm going to let Dave stay on board, but if he interferes with my single-handing efforts I may have to use a few of those bungees on him

. Thanks again all!

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 12:01:04

Great attitude Pam! You can and will have a great time this
weekend!

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5914 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 13:24:00

Pam, for a long time I tried lashing the tiller in different ways and using bungees, but, like John, I thought they needed frequent adjustment, and I could never get them to work very well. An inexpensive tiller tamer lets you set it and make adjustments easily, and it's well worth the cost. If you sail on a smallish inland lake, a tiller tamer would be all you really need to let you get away from the tiller long enough to tend to the sails, etc.

If you cruise the coast or sail a large bay, an electronic autopilot would be a good investment. It would let you get away from the tiller and relax for much longer periods of time.

Edited by - on

John P
Captain

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USA
324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2005 : 16:08:44

I just passed up a tiller tamer at West Marine. $25 for it, but I am down here on business and my bags are already bulging. it was nice to look through the store and come with more "STUFF" I need for my boat!

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2005 : 04:58:01

Look Ma, No Hands!

This is what a Tiller Tamer will do. I've sailed for an hour at a time like this when the sails are balanced, mostly close hauled. After having one on Desiderata, my C-22, it was the first improvement for Chick-a-pea. Even though she came with an AutoTiller I prefer the Tamer. Notice in this pic the main is reefed.

Edited by - Ben - FL on 08/27/2005 04:59:06

Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 19:21:21

Ordered this from a Canadian company. Best I've ever seen. Made from brass and machined beautifully - a work of art. Works very well, is adjustable and is the envy of the fleet!

http://www.cansail.com/

I believe the US price is lower than listed (canadian dollar$)

Turk

Edited by - on

PamC
Navigator

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171 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 21:07:50

Turk,

Thanks! I think that's the ticket! Looks lovely and Dave wants it on the boat NOW.

This is just the best forum ever

Edited by - on

Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 22:44:34

Believe me, You will be amazed at the quality of this thing. I bought one for a previous boat from the gentleman who makes them several years ago, it was $24 then. Just bought another for my 250, same great quality and simplicity. Will last a hundred years! If I remember he guaranteed it forever.

Turk

Edited by - on

bbriner
Captain

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349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 23:41:13

I saw it and immediately ordered it. I can't wait. Looks simple - just like I like it!

Edited by - on

bbriner
Captain

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349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 23:44:39

BTW I 2nd what Pam said... this ** is ** the best forum there is! (funny thing is I was checking out the owner's association/forum of a boat type I'm interested in "upgrading" to.. someday.. and it was so bad it kind of discourages me..). I think we are spoiled!

Thanks everyone!

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2005 : 07:50:17

I was thinking of a hiking stick with the lock box, but didn't care for the idea of putting another hole in the boat. Added to that, by the time you're done buying the stick and coaming fixture, you've spent almost $125 and I doubt it would work any better.

Edited by - on

sdaly66
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2005 : 09:30:43

Pam (et. al.)

I installed the Davis Industries tiller tame last year. I installed two cam cleats (one on each side of the fuel locker) at 45 degree angles to vertical. This configuration keeps the tiller handle from rising, creating slack in the system. Here's the WM link for the little cleats.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/3217

But having the same issue with foresail sheets, I'm installing a "no holes" system to move my jib controls to the helm as follows....

4 rail mount sheaves (two on each side) attached to the two vertical struts of the rails near the winches. Then the lines lead aft to the foremost vertical rail of the real handrails on each side where I am installing rail mount cam cleats WITH FAIRLEADS. I'm using a generic rail mount (see below) and harken cam cleats and fairleads. The WM parts list is below. After Sunday, I'll be able to give you an assessment of how well this system works.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/140093

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/71908

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=72000

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2005 : 11:35:36

Just a reminder - if you buy anything from Westmarine online, please do so by visiting our links pages. It may only garner a couple of dimes from your purchase, but it all adds up....

http://www.catalina25-250.org/links.html

Thanks,

dw

Edited by - Champipple on 09/23/2005 11:36:57

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