tiller locks

Birdseye

Birdseye

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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.
 
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.
 
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,
 
Poignard said:
I might have a photo. I'll check.
Click to expand...
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.
 
Birdseye said:
havent got the book so can you give a bit more detail please.
Click to expand...
Here is a photo from "Cruising Under Sail" showing the tiller lines on Wanderer II :


Tiller Lines on Wanderer II (2).jpg

You can partly see mine here:

cockpit_side_deck_winches-20180822_170121.jpg


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
 
Last edited:
Spirit (of Glenans) said:
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.
Click to expand...
Even simpler than that. The lines are permanently atteched to the coamings, not the tiller. See above.
 
Tiller Clutch all the way. Instantly locked, instantly unlocked, all without moving your hand from the steering position on the tiller.
 
Poignard said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
Birdseye said:
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,
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
Refueler said:
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.
Click to expand...
You mean like this? Standard fit on the Golden Hind. Works well. Just not easy to do on most boats.
 

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