tiller locks

[Birdseye]

my new to me boat has a mind of its own when there is no hand on the tiller. the autopilot isnt always an answer so I am thinking of a tiller lock, either the Tiller Clutch ( here )or the Sea Sure ( here ) .

Any comments on real life use of such gadgets would be appreciated. In particular, its likely to be used most in friendly single handed short circuit racing when my autopilot is not really handy enough.

 

[Concerto]

On Concerto I fitted a TillerClutch and generally very pleased with it. It is very convenient to be able to just flip the lever and lock the tiller.

The only fault I would say is that this year I had a problem with my autopilot in a force 8, due to a 6mm bolt on the tiller bracket shearing, so I started using the TillerClutch. After some time the outer core of the rope broke due to the loadings and it no longer would work. The conditions were fairly extreme as I entered Scapa Flow and someone ashore thought I was in difficulties, so I was greeted by the local RNLI. All it meant was I was hand steering for longer than normal, but certainly did not require their services. In more usual conditions, you should have no problems as it is a good bit of kit.

 

[Poignard]

I use the simple system described by Eric Hiscock in "Cruising Under Sail".

Two adjustable lines, rigged like tent guys from the cockpit comings either side of the tiller.

 

[Birdseye]

Hi Concerto - does the rope go through a hole in the clutch meaning you either have to leave it threaded when the clutch isnt in use or thread it every time. the Sea Sure alternative seems to allow you to disconnect the rope more easily,

 

[Birdseye]

I use the simple system described by Eric Hiscock in "Cruising Under Sail".

Two adjustable lines, rigged like tent guys from the cockpit comings either side of the tiller.

havent got the book so can you give a bit more detail please.

 

[Poignard]

havent got the book so can you give a bit more detail please.

I might have a photo. I'll check.

 

[Tranona]

There is also this force4.co.uk/item/Davis/Tiller-Tamer/IH6

The Tiller clutch you mentioned got best on test here pbo.co.uk/gear/tiller-locks-tested-23943

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I might have a photo. I'll check.

I took it to mean that the lines are attached to the tiller, led to eyebolts on the coamings, then doubled back on themselves and attached thalf or two-thirds-way along their standing parts with "cleats" with two holes in them, like the ones on tent guys, so that the tiller can be adjusted to one side or the other, and they can be kept in tension.

 

[Poignard]

havent got the book so can you give a bit more detail please.

Here is a photo from "Cruising Under Sail" showing the tiller lines on Wanderer II :




You can partly see mine here:




List of materials

Saddle clips - 2 off
Self-tapping screws - 4 off
Short length of hardwood strip with hole at each end - 2 off
Bits of 6mm rope - 2 off

 

[Poignard]

I took it to mean that the lines are attached to the tiller, led to eyebolts on the coamings, then doubled back on themselves and attached thalf or two-thirds-way along their standing parts with "cleats" with two holes in them, like the ones on tent guys, so that the tiller can be adjusted to one side or the other, and they can be kept in tension.

Even simpler than that. The lines are permanently atteched to the coamings, not the tiller. See above.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Even simpler than that. The lines are permanently atteched to the coamings, not the tiller. See above.

Even better, because obviously they can be quickly flipped off the tiller when not required.

 

[fredrussell]

Tiller Clutch all the way. Instantly locked, instantly unlocked, all without moving your hand from the steering position on the tiller.

 

[Poignard]

Tip of the Day:

Disengage tiller lock before operating tiller pilot

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Here is a photo from "Cruising Under Sail" showing the tiller lines on Wanderer II :


View attachment 146193

You can partly see mine here:

View attachment 146194


List of materials

Saddle clips - 2 off
Self-tapping screws - 4 off
Short length of hardwood strip with hole at each end - 2 off
Bits of 6mm rope - 2 off

Have used that system for many years. Handy when putting the boat to bed overnight also. My mates swear by the Seashore system. A Seasure came with my current boat , perhaps I should give it a try.

 

[Concerto]

Hi Concerto - does the rope go through a hole in the clutch meaning you either have to leave it threaded when the clutch isnt in use or thread it every time. the Sea Sure alternative seems to allow you to disconnect the rope more easily,

The rope does go through a hole in the clutch. I leave the rope fitted all the time soit is ready for use and is then used to stop the tiller moving whilst moored.

 

[Refueler]

The old PBO DIY booklets had a dandy idea in and I tried it on my Alacrity .... it was good for short term use such as going to mast for sails .... but not for long term.

A pin board .... basically a wood beam fastened below tiller for a span around centre ... drilled holes in with two vertical pins to drop in ... so put tiller to position - drop in the two pins and tiller is held .....

To set the pin holes - of course it needs boat to be sailed and then tiller position marked on the beam for drilling.

 

[Poignard]

From PBO "Boat Owner's Sketch Book" book 1 of 5 (worth buying the series)

 

[Tranona]

The old PBO DIY booklets had a dandy idea in and I tried it on my Alacrity .... it was good for short term use such as going to mast for sails .... but not for long term.

A pin board .... basically a wood beam fastened below tiller for a span around centre ... drilled holes in with two vertical pins to drop in ... so put tiller to position - drop in the two pins and tiller is held .....

To set the pin holes - of course it needs boat to be sailed and then tiller position marked on the beam for drilling.

You mean like this? Standard fit on the Golden Hind. Works well. Just not easy to do on most boats.

 

[vyv_cox]

I have owned a device called a 'Friend' for many years. It is an infinitely adjustable tiller extension whose handle can be locked to the coaming. Useful for short periods, for example stowing fenders, but on our boat a minute or so is its limit. Also useful at anchor to keep the rudder in place.
FRIEND tiller extension

 

[GeeW]

Have been using a Tiller Clutch for the last 4 years. Wouldn't be without it.