Aluminium Tiller head fitting

[adamstjohn]

Morning all.

Putting the boat to bed for the winter noticed that the tiller head fitting had 2 tiny cracks in it, not really bad and no flex at all but thinking of trying to locate another or have this one braced, its a sturdy bit of kit. Anybody recognise this? boat is a Davis Thomas Hummingbird 30, same hull as the elizabethan 30 there is a name on the top Rema, lema???? i cant read it though. I am sure that this one will brace well but thought i would ask advise as the ramifications of loosing the tiller .......

Many thanks
Adam

 

[doug748]

I think it's possibly at the end of it's useful life - as one poetic mechanic said to me at MOT time. The crack seems to be by the tiller head bolt which is the critical area, no doubt it could be repaired but would want beefing up.

If you budget allows I would replace it with a stainless fabrication which may cost in the region of £150 to have made up. You might take the opportunity to extend the sides to include a fourth through bolt as this is where this type of tiller tends to break or delaminate. You might have a good look at the condition of the bottom of the tiller while you are at it.

.

 

[adamstjohn]

Hi Doug, yes, could be inclined to agree with you, i will search up a stainless fabricator, i am in Ware ,herts, if anybody can recommend anyone.

Yes, take your point with tiller also, it has been rebuilt a couple of times and thankfully is solid, the 4th both hole is a very good idea. Thanks