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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Tiller Clutch

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/10/2012 : 03:56:34

I thought there was a thread here about the Tiller Clutch but I could not find it. Thanks to a comment about it from "Joe Diver" I ordered one and installed it. On Fridays sail I used it extensively to see how well it performed for me. It was a nice addition. I set it went up on deck removed the sail straps and returned to the cockpit and the boat stayed into the wind-same to lower sail at the end of day. It held a good heading under sail as well unless the wind made a very noticeable change. Was nice to enjoy the sail and not hang onto the tiller 100% of the time.

1988 WK/SR w/inboard diesel Joe Pool Lake
Hobie 18 Lake Worth

Life is not a dress rehearsal. You will not get another chance.

Edited by - hewebb on 06/10/2012 03:59:42

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2012 : 04:22:02

Here's one of the previous threads evaluating the tiller clutch. http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21401& SearchTerms=clutch

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2012 : 07:55:27

I really like mine and rig it for every sail. I sail single-handed 99% of the time, so it's a very valuable tool for me

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2012 : 10:30:21

A tiller clutch is a great idea. I wanted to create my own gizmo like a tiller tamer.
I added a 3" bolt through the tiller extension handle receptacle hole. I placed two 2" flat fender washers with two small washers in between to create an offset, or a gap between the large washers.
I added a wingnut to tighten or loosen the washers up.
Then I tied a line between the starboard and port stern cleats and used a rolling hitch on one end so I can adjust the line's length and tension. I slipped the line in between the two flat washers, tensioned the rolling hitch and used the wingnut to snug down the washers on the line. I experimented with letting the line wrap once around the outside or reversed the wrap so the line would overlap.
I used this arrangement all day yesterday and found that it worked fine and kept me on track. I used some cotton line and it chafed quickly, so I might need nylon or polypro line.
I also found it would keep the boat going straight provided I sat still.
If, however, I walked forward to adjust fenders or tie down the sail, the boat's balance is affected and the boat veers off to windward or leeward randomly.
I am going to try using some bungy line to see whether a little "give" from the bungy might correct the difference.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 06:44:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 .......
I also found it would keep the boat going straight provided I sat still.
If, however, I walked forward to adjust fenders or tie down the sail, the boat's balance is affected and the boat veers off to windward or leeward randomly.
......
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes....I can steer my boat this way. Once trimmed and balanced, tiller clutch engaged...I can go below or up on deck.....and change direction just by moving off the centerline from one side to another.

It's pretty cool doing this while motoring, with the pop top up, standing in the front of the cabin just behind the mast. Lean or move to one side or the other and the boat will tend to go that way....back to the middle and I'm straight on again....It's a slow turn, yes, more of a course correction.....

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 07:27:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Joe Diver
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 .......
I also found it would keep the boat going straight provided I sat still.
If, however, I walked forward to adjust fenders or tie down the sail, the boat's balance is affected and the boat veers off to windward or leeward randomly.
......
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes....I can steer my boat this way. Once trimmed and balanced, tiller clutch engaged...I can go below or up on deck.....and change direction just by moving off the centerline from one side to another.

It's pretty cool doing this while motoring, with the pop top up, standing in the front of the cabin just behind the mast. Lean or move to one side or the other and the boat will tend to go that way....back to the middle and I'm straight on again....It's a slow turn, yes, more of a course correction.....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
If you lock the tiller, you can sail the boat by shifting crew weight. I crewed on a Pearson 32, and the local club held a race, as an exercise, in which we sailed around a 3 leg course, and were not allowed to use the wheel to steer the boat. We shifted crew weight, and were able to tack the boat back and forth and control it's direction. It was a very interesting exercise. We were clumsy at it in the beginning, but got better as we rounded the course.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2012 : 11:11:49

Tiller clutches are great for starters.

The next step for us was when I bought John Letcher's book, Self Steering for Small Craft. I rigged the (main)sheet to tiller and used it for two years. Got so good at it I could tack in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Neat stuff. Been discussed here before. It's actally better than a tiller clutch, 'cuz you can walk all over the boat and it will maintain heading into the wind.

Eventually bought an autopilot.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5376 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2012 : 20:26:27

Stu
For some reason, the book is priced at $125~! Kinda pricey. And advice for us DIYers who might want to use some of the theory or techniques from the book that would be applicable?

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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.