Tiller Head

[Rattler]

Hi, I am looking for help to find a supplier for a Tiller Head. That is the fitting that sits on top of the rudder shaft which has a 1" square in it and a pinch bolt to tighten it that the tiller arm and fitting is bolted to. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ianat182]

You description sounds like the standard Westerly tillerhead from the Centaur,Pageant Tiger etc. You could try Trafalgar Yachts of Fareham who have many Westerly spares (pricey!) or try phoning the Chandlery Barge at Bursledon for second hand one.
Mine is all stainless steel so could be fabricated by a good welder given a pattern, or repair the original if you have it.
Try an enquiry on the Westerly Owners forum too.

ianat182

 

[VicS]

Agree if for a Westerly or if that will fit Trafalgar Yacht Services http://www.westerly-yachts.co.uk/

 

[Rattler]

Thanks for the information. I had a look at the Trafalgar site, looks similar but no size given for the "Square" but I have email them so maybe I'll have some good news.

 

[VicS]

Also check if the square is square or if it is diagonal if you see what I mean. I have a vague idea the Westerly ones are diagonal

 

[Tranona]

Diagonal is common - must be a reason, but can't think what it is. Remember how tricky it was when I made my rudder getting the tangs at 90 degrees to the diagonal on the stock so the rudder is in line with the tiller. Thankfully the guy who welded the tangs on knew what he was doing!

 

[ianat182]

Yes, mine is diagonally squared too. The clamping of the square is via a bronze block split with a square aperture; the clamp bolt passes through this block and tightens it on the square stock. As I recall there should be two s/stl bushes inside the tillerhead that allow it to pivot up and down after the clamp bolt has been tightened, and locked by a nyloc or other type of locknut.

ianat182

 

[davidbfox]

Snapdragon ones are also diagonal.

 

[sailorman]

Y.S.Fittings used to make Aluminium Ones

Lifting Tiller Fittings
Part No 7152
Part No 7152LS ( square hole)
Part No 7152LD ( Diamond hole )

YS Fittings Ltd
30 Lydden Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4LR.
Telephone: 020 8870 9044
Fax: 020 8874 3607

 

[Rattler]

Yes, you are correct it is a diagonal square. I have received a reply from Trafalgar and they say it is not the same as the Westerly ones that they sell and suggested to get a machine shop to make one up.

I will have a search for the YS fittings to see if they may fit.

 

[chewi]

Midas in Poole custom made one for me 3/4" set diagonally in stainless.

I think it cost about £100.

I did have a cast alloy one but it was a poor design, there was no pinch bolt to adjust the tiller elevation, so it just wore loose. I had to cut it in half and use the pivot bolt as an elevation control.

 

[Rattler]

If you have an email address or other contact details would be great. My rudder shaft is made from aluminium so I guess it's better to get one made up using aluminium. The old one was cast as well and was sloppy on the rudder so I don't want the new one to go the same way at least for a few seasons.
Thanks.

 

[chewi]

Midas Manufacturing

Midas Manufacturing
01202 684620

Midas Manufacturing
Slader Business Pk
4 Witney Road
Poole
Dorset BH17 0GH

No connection just a customer.

 

[Rattler]

Thank you for that information and all the other suggestions they were helpful.

 

[pampas]

square across the boat puts the most wear and tear and stress on the part, especially the corners,, whereas the diagonal to center line has the least loading. Think of it as armor plate Off vertical presents a thicker path for the shell to penatrate,On a tiller there is less load/square inch.