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Tiller Pilot legal for racing?

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Fleet
Navigator

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USA
151 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/06/2011 : 08:38:22

I'll probably be racing single-handed for most of the races this spring season. I was looking into buying a tiller pilot to help out. Interpreting the Racing Rules of Sailing, rule 52 (Manual Power)calls out for manual power for hull appendages. I am interpreting the rudder as a hull appendage. Are tiller pilots allowed for racing at any clubs?

Fleet
Kamikaze
1983 Hull #397
Lake Guntersville, AL

Edited by - on

Fleet
Navigator

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USA
151 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2011 : 06:40:33

Interesting that there aren't any comments. I think Forespar makes a partial solution to my problem. I currently have a Tiller Tamer but it works poorly and is always in the way. Forespar makes a tiller extension lock box that appears handy and is a clean installation. You just drop the ball end of the Forespar tiller extension into the recessed lock box and your tiller is locked in place. I'm going to measure my Capri and see where it would be best to mount the box and then determine what size tiller extension I need.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2011 : 09:26:35

A much less expensive but efficient method is to buy a length of 1/4" shock cord and 2 hook ends to make a bungee long enough to go from stern cleat to stern cleat with 3 wraps around the tiller.
It makes the tiller immediately movable (you don't have to unscrew anything first) and it stays in position wherever you put it - leaving hands free to work the sheets when tacking.

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Fleet
Navigator

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USA
151 Posts

Response Posted - 11/23/2011 : 06:22:17

That sounds cheap enough and easy to try. I'll give it a shot. Thanks Derek

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 11/23/2011 : 07:54:56

You'll also find that you can make "permanent" adjustments by grabbing the "coil" and rotating it on the tiller. And you can make the length such that it has tension to hold course when you pull the coil forward on the tiller, and goes slack when you push it back where it's also out of the way.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/23/2011 07:56:04

shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

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USA
1032 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 15:29:32

I asked our race group if I could use my tiller-pilot since I'd never have crew (almost never)... They gave me a perfect heads up... we beercan race handicapped type, using portsmouth ratings. So I personally got an OK to do it, not sure about "global rules."

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 16:03:13

I used a manual tiller-tamer-type of device when I raced my C25 singlehanded, and none of the local "sea lawyers" ever complained. I looked in the Chesapeake Bay PHRF rules and didn't see anything that applied. I think Fleet's interpretation of Rule 52 of the Racing Rules of Sailing is probably correct. If you have an electronic autopilot, then the electronic device is really making the course alterations and steering the boat, but with a manual device, the skipper makes all the course alterations, not the device. It's no different from using a wheel brake on a boat with wheel steering.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 06/11/2012 16:04:23

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 18:00:46

IMO, I'd use the bungee method. It works well for me. I can go to the deck just fine for several minutes in light air.

I can't believe you can't find someone to help out. Have you put out an ad locally? Try going to Sailnet and asking around. Wanna buy me a plane ticket?

Edited by - NautiC25 on 06/11/2012 18:03:10

shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

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USA
1032 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2012 : 03:51:47

My take is ask your fleet captain, tell him you're you don't have crew, and want to use your tiller pilot. Your boat is designed to be sailed with a crew of 4 minimum. If you're sailing single, then you already are sailing uphill (except in light wind). So they will usually NOT care... now if you have a crew of 4 AND use the pilot, I bet they won't be quite happy with you.

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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.