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Tiller Tamer...again

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Shelby
Navigator

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USA
155 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/31/2002 : 13:41:09

I am again exploring the tiller tamer for when I single hand. I have not seen one up close, so this question goes to if the tamer can be removed easily after each time out sailing? Do the lines get in the way, or is the tamer mounted far enough aft that they are not in the way?

Tks,
Shelby
'82 C25 "Third S" #3208, SKSR, Honda 9.9, Lake Pleasant AZ

Edited by - on

luckystar
Navigator

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USA
236 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2002 : 13:44:51

I'm not sure about your question, but if you want to find out for cheaper, I have one that I bought before I came across the deal on my autopilot that you can have for half of what they sell for (usually $23.99, you can have for $12 plus ship) It's still new in orig package with instructions, 1/4" line and screws. Email me if you want it. pburnett@proxycreative.com

Patrick Burnett, Little Rock, AR
S/V Lucky Star #2707 1982 SK/SR

Edited by - luckystar on 12/31/2002 13:46:12

Edited by - luckystar on 12/31/2002 13:47:13

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2002 : 14:22:26

A tiller tamer will only give you a limited time away from the tiller depending on wind/water/weather conditions and sail balance. I remember someone(Derek?) posting a version of their tiller tamer which consisted of a length of bungee cord that had a loop tied in the middle of it. The loop went on the tiller while the ends were secured to cleats or the stern rails on the transom. When the device was not in use, the loop on the tiller was slid all the way aft towards the rudder. When it was used, the loop was pulled forward towards the end of the tiller which tensioned the bungees thereby holding the tiller centered.

(PS:If you are a singlehander, you should get an autopilot. I know it's a few boat units, but it will change your life.)

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
On the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - dlucier on 12/31/2002 14:23:52

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John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2002 : 15:30:04

I’ve used a bungee for years and it allows me to do short tasks and let go of the tiller. I used to tie a loop in the center but I have modified that. I use a clove hitch over the tiller so the tiller can be tied off center if necessary. I have a “Tiller Tamer” but hate the way it looks on my new glossy tiller. I agree that for long periods of time away from the tiller only an auto-pilot will do the job. The bungee gets me on and off the mooring, time to raise and lower (furl) sails and time to reef. I have all halyards[url="http://c25c250.best.vwh.net/restricted/tt008.htm"] led aft[/url] so I don’t go far except when I go forward to pick-up the mooring.
JG
Underlined words are a HOT link.
 

[url="http://www.peregrinefund.org/"]<img src="http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/intro_mid_image.GIF" border=0>[/url]
 John G- "PEREGRINE" C25-#4762 FK

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5937 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2002 : 19:00:35

Shelby,

I just got a tiller tamer last year, and on my inland lake it is ideal. As Richard said, it gives you enough time away from the tiller to do whatever you need to do, except when the wind is really blowing. In that case, I just don't trust it.

If I were cruising and sailing distances, there is no doubt that an autopilot would be the way to go.

When you are done sailing, they are easy to stow. Actually, I leave mine in place. It keeps the rudder from swinging while the boat is in her slip.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2002 : 19:45:21

I agree with Steve, I bought a tiller tamer before last years sailing season here in upstate N.Y. I installed it on my WB C 250. There are some factors I did not consider and realize until after installation. To get to the back of the boat you have to climb over the attach ropes that secure the tiller tamer and drilling holes in the tiller handle I did a double take on. I found that a little pre-planning before the tiller is locked saved a lot of movement during sailing. With the boat balanced and in light winds it worked the nuts and also when just motoring it worked ok. I leave my tiller secured all week with the tiller tamer. Also with just the right amount of friction you can just bump the tiller with your hand for minor course corrections. Hope this helps..."Bear" on Brandy C-250 WB on the hard in upstate N.Y.

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 06:33:13

I would expect that a tiller tamer would be good in conditions with a neutral helm. If skipper needs to be making adjustments because of varying pressures the tiller tamer would not keep the boat sailing straight.

"Bear" how was the north end of the lake this past summer?

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 10:45:20

I originally bought a Tiller Tamer - but hated to have to unscrew the knob all the time to make course changes. (Besides it is an ugly looking thing and has to be removed every time you put on the tiller cover). Then I bought a TillerMan which looks neater and (IMHO) works easier, but still tends to bind if the line comes out of the groove. I followed John G.'s advice and rigged a bungee cord (made it to the correct length) from stern cleat to stern cleat with a clove hitch in the middle around the tiller. It works perfectly to hold the boat on course and allows small "nudges" when necessary. It fits in with my K.I.S.S. principle perfectly!And it sure is cheap<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I never go single-handing unless it is rigged.
Derek

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Rick Evans
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 11:23:28

Shelby,
Like Derek, we both use the homemade bungee cord to tame our tillers. It does have some limitations in that the stretch of the cord allows the tiller to move a bit if there is a change in windspeed and weather helm. The store bought tiller tamer doesn't have that stretch and therefore can more solidly "fix" the position of the tiller. However, having said that, I still like the bungee cord method. Its cheap and easy to set up, take down and adjust. If all you need it for is to get a minute or two of time away from the tiller, its perfect. And in lower, more constant winds, you can stay away from the tiller for much longer periods of time.

Rick Evans
San Antonio

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 11:37:43

Don, Sailing was good around Northville and Northhamton, sometimes though it was just to hot. We came down to Sand Island and Scout Island a few times, its about a two hour sail to Sand Island from Northville. Plan on staying again at Park Marine Base Marina this year. There are only three sailboats there. We saw the yacht club regatta up by Northville last year, very impressive. I made some initial inquiries about joining the Mayfield yacht club but was told about the waiting list. I aaume the lake will have too much water this year based on cureent snow pack...Keep in touch, I enjoy your inputs to forums..."Bear" on Brandy on the hard.

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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 17:02:24

Ihad a Tiller Tamer on my C-22 and when I traded up it was the first upgrade. When I bought my 250 it had a AutoTiller already installed. But I find the Tamer more to my liking. When I ship the rudder after every sail I simply wind the 1/4 line around the tiller. Then I lay the rudder in the cockpit. I've made three and four mile tacks with the Tamer engaged and never had to touch it. As was mentioned before, sail balance really helps.

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk
<img src="http://www.members.aol.com:/benraye/pictures/fullsail.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 21:28:31

Bear,

The club's waiting list is long, and is now being capped at 30. If you are interested in possibly joining the club at some future time, the best thing to do is get on the waiting list, for the waiting list. Then when the waiting list falls below 30 and name is on the top, you'd be given an opportunity to pay application fee and get on the waiting list. If you are not interested then, you don't go on the waiting list.

We did the Bridge rondevous (sp) on labor Sunday (Bad for a Pastor to take a week off to go sailing, oh well I was on vacation). Approxiamately half the sail boats moored on the lake were there!

Good to chat . . ..

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2003 : 22:16:59

My variation on the bungee solution is three wraps around the tiller handle, without doing a clove hitch. Pushed aft on the handle, it's loose and out of the way. Pulled forward, it tightens and holds the tiller. Because it's bungee, you can tweek it either way without changing the set position. To change the position, you simply grab the coil and rotate it either way on the tiller. I put loops on both ends so it can be hooked to and unhooked from the cleats in an instant. If you leave it on to center the tiller when away from the boat, a little sunblock lotion helps to protect the bungee from the sun.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5937 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2003 : 09:37:31

My problem with using bungee cord to hold your course is that, when the wind gusts, it stretches, and sends you off course. A rope system doesn't stretch much in the gusts, and it holds the rudder steady. It is much less likely to wander off course.

Also, I think a tiller tamer-type system works a little better at holding course if you bear off the wind a little bit. When you are beating to windward, the range within which your sails are in trim is very narrow. When you bear off a little bit, the range widens, and any slight course variation is less of a problem.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

Edited by - on

Mike Vaccaro
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2003 : 09:53:34

There are many self-steering options available. We use a combination of tiller tamer and auto-pilot. There are times that the tiller tamer has proved invaluable--with properly trimmed sails or a low power setting on the engine, the tamer will reliably steer the boat for short periods of time.

The tamer has the advantage of being inexpensive and it doesn't use any electricity!

When not in use, we wrap the 1/4 line around the tiller--this makes it simple to rig the tamer in a hurry when needed (we've got two small cam cleats mounted on the transome to hold the line).

The auto-pilot is definitely the way to go, but if cost is an issue, the tiller tamer is a great option and certainly better than nothing!

Cheers,

Mike Vaccaro on the "Swoose"
84 TR/SK #4707

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mroettersr
Navigator

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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2003 : 00:09:22

The skipper of the O'Day 25 next to my boat uses his adjustable hiking stick (or tiller extension)and a flush mounted recepticle in the coaming on the side of the cockpit for the ball at the end of the stick. He simply sets the stick at the proper length and gives it a twist to lock it in place. The recepticles are available at West Marine and look like they are fairly easy to install. The stick has a quick disconnect for easy removal from the tiller. It's a nice clean set-up. I have a Tiller Tamer I never installed on my old C22 but I'm not sure I like that cord clamp permantly mounted on top my tiller. The ball and socket arrangement looks like a better alternative short of biting the bullet and going electronic.

Mike Roetter
'83 C25 #3568 SK/SR
Marblehead on Lake Erie

Edited by - on

jellyfish
Navigator

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USA
171 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2003 : 14:29:45

I have used a tiller tamer for years. It is simple and cheap, both priorities for me. I have never found it to get in the way and have always just tied the bitter ends to the rear cockpit sanctions. with proper tension you can make minor adjustments simply by bumping the tiller.

Edited by - on

jellyfish
Navigator

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USA
171 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2003 : 14:32:05

ps:by using it very loose tightened it acts like power steering!

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Shelby
Navigator

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USA
155 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2003 : 16:35:39

Thanks all for the input...I have a gift certificate burning a whole in my wallet for West Marine for 30 big ones, so I think I will go ahead and buy the TT.

Shelby
'82 C25 "Third S", #3208, SKSR, Honda, Lake Pleasant, AZ

Edited by - on

mroettersr
Navigator

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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 00:11:01

United Yachting Mfg. has a tiller tamer for $17. I purchased one for my C22 several years ago and it seems to be a nicely designed unit and safe to use as it has a quick release feature. Their web site is: www.unitedyachting.com They seem to be a small company that has products like lead blocks and line stoppers at considerabley lower prices than the usual supply houses. You might want to check them out.

Mike Roetter
'83 C25 #3568 SK/SR
Marblehead on Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Dennis Pierce
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 08:54:44

I lashed a couple of 1" rings to the rear stantions and put snaps on the ends of the TT lines. Also put an eye on the tiller so that the lines are out of the way when I'm not using the TT.

Dennis Pierce
Gypsy Witch #1719

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jellyfish
Navigator

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USA
171 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 12:21:52

people are talking about "putting out of the way while not useing it" if you have one when would you not use it? the only time I dont use mine is when docking or of course coming about. just wondering??

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5937 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 14:22:59

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>if you have one when would you not use it? the only time I dont use mine is when docking or of course coming about. just wondering??<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Jellyfish,

Except when cruising, the only time I use my Tiller Tamer is when I need to get away from the tiller for some reason, such as to raise or lower sails, etc. Otherwise, I prefer to have hands-on control of the boat. Occasionally I use it when cruising just to get a break and relax or to study a chart. To me, sailing is the art of doing everything the hard way. If it became too effortless, I wouldn't like it as much. If you like to use the Tiller Tamer more often, that's o.k. too. There's a lot of non-conformity among sailors.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 14:29:28

I was just reviewing some of the posts
Bear wrote:

I leave my tiller secured all week with the tiller tamer.

Just where do you sail that you can go for all week with the tiller tamer secured. Seems like that would be some pretty open water.
<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Matt/Brigitte Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 14:58:19

"Just where do you sail that you can go for all week with the tiller tamer secured. Seems like that would be some pretty open water.
"

Or he's sailing in circles. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

(Yeah, I know he meant at the dock.)

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2003 : 15:12:22

Matt, My intent when I wrote that " I leave the tiller tamer
attached all week" meant to imply that the tiller is locked
in place with the tiller tamer during periods of inactivity.
However I do believe I have sailed in and out of the slip with the tiller tamer attached and friction knob all the way off. The tiller tamer being attached has nothing to do with the movement of the tiller. And yes I do sail on a very big lake as Don Peet can attest too. Sorry if it caused confusion. "Bear" on Brandy C 250 WB on the hard in upstate N.Y.

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