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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Tiller Tamer vs. others

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KenDavis
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
69 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/30/2007 : 12:09:48

So I'm disappointed in my line across stern rails to cleat on tiller method.

Tiller Tamer is reasonably priced, the Catalina Direct version is about twice that.

What do you folks use, and how do you like it?

thanks!

C25 87 SR/WK
ANABELLA
Pensacola Fl

Edited by - on

gbeardjr
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 13:25:29

I purchased the tiller tamer last year. It works okay for sailing upwind but is otherwise useless. If you truly want to be free of the tiller you need an autopilot. I can't believe I waited so long to get one.

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 15:16:07

Ken,

I have a "Can-Sail" device which works like a tiller tamer that I have not installed yet.

But since I also have a Forespar tiller extender, I am thinking of NOT installing the Can-sail, and instead installing a "socket" for the other end of the tiller extension that would hold the tiller for me. This would make for less crap on the tiller.

I am not looking for holding a course for long, I just want to be able to let go of the tiller for a few seconds to do something else.

I plan to install an autopilot a bit later when I have the boat units.

Just something to add to your thinking.

Edited by - on

KenDavis
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 15:45:54

I've used an autopilot on a fishing boat, and it was great. It had a remote for adjustments to heading. Cool, but expensive. I think it was $1000 or more.

something different available for sailboats?

I resemble the derogative comment about sailors, "..cheap bastards think the wind is free and everything else should be too."

thanks for the advice,
Ken

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gbeardjr
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
101 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 16:38:01

My TP 10 autopilot was about $350.00 online. It was not cheap buts its like having someone to sail with everytime I go out.

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newell
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 17:00:40

I have a electronic autopilot ST1000......one of the best purchases I ever made!

newell

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 18:19:03

Ken,

I'm not sure if your boat has the hasps on the cockpit lockers like the earlier models, but if it does, you might try using a bungee cord as a tiller tamer. Just hook the bungee in one hasp, then wrap the bungee around the tiller enough times to make it tight, then hook it in the opposite hasp. Twisting the wraps on the tiller will allow you to fine tune the tiller position.

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2007 : 23:10:29

If you want an extra sailor you need an autopilot, if you're looking for a few seconds the tiller tamer is good. Even though I generally only need the seconds, after the reviews on the autopilot I'm going to look in to it! thanks as always guys for great info!

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KenDavis
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2007 : 10:33:49

I'll try the bungee trick this weekend. Thanks Don!

Both the mentioned autopilots are avail for less than $400. That seems pretty reasonable for the utility.

This forum is GREAT, thanks for the good advice.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2007 : 11:19:04

A nice feature with the bungee is that not only can you adjust for a steady course as Don describes, but you can make small, quick changes just by pushing the tiller--the bungee stretches and then re-centers. Just set up the bungee so there's a fair amount of tension.

I had the fuel locker with no hasp, so I used the stern cleats. That way, to engage the bungee, I pulled the wraps forward on the tiller to tension the cord--to disengage, I pushed them back to relax it.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2007 : 22:50:28

Long bungee cord here... between the cleats. I've used a tiller tamer before and IMHO the bungee works just as well.

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haley
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2007 : 14:13:08

I have the Tiller Tamer but after using a bungee never installed it. I like the easy "override" with the bungee.

John
Precision 18
Rochester NY

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.