Monday 5/2 Question of the week

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Mon May 02, 2011 8:39 pm

There was such a great discussion continuing from last week's question I waited to get this one in. Sorry, no trivia today. Thought about telling the story of the Montana Gun and how it changed naval history, but didn't get my research completed (specifically the name of the captain of the vessel that had this gun). Maybe later

... and I really want to do a question of the week using various avitars found on our forum but haven't figured out how to copy them into the text. Maybe later as well.

So for this one I'm really curious how each of you manage the tiller while needing to attend to the sails. What do you use to maintain course while "going forward"?

astrorad · Post by **astrorad** » Tue May 03, 2011 4:38 am

My Tiller is laying in the basement mid way through a refinish...but I expect that I will try out the Tiller Tamer that was installed on it by the PO.

I also may eventually experiment with sheet to tiller steering system when out for long distance sailing.

I have also seen YouTube video of a fellow simply using some surgical tubing to maintain heading...it evidently can work if conditions are right.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Tue May 03, 2011 5:13 am

That is an excellent question.

I purchased a used one of these from a forum member who sold his C26 to another forum member.

http://www.amazon.com/Raymarine-ST1000- ... B001CU2TE2

I had one a long time ago and loved it. Figured I'd get another for Lady Jo!

Scott

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:03 am

I use the caveman version of Scott's Raymarine for quick trips forward..

http://www.blumhorst.com/potterpages/Ph ... -tamer.htm

John K · Post by **John K** » Tue May 03, 2011 6:56 am

I read a tip for keeping pointed into the wind when singlehanded and not at the helm. With main up and sheeted out a bit, lash the tiller to the boom, and whenever the wind takes it, shazaam, it pulls the tiller over and heads you right back up. Sounds logical, will try this someday. I'm sure there is a good bit of zig-zagging involved.

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Tue May 03, 2011 9:06 am

I use any available crew member to handle the tiller. After all we are all there to go sailing and if the crew is not involved they get board and are not having fun.
A crew that does not have fun won't want to go sailing with you, ...then you will need to figure out how to maintain course while "going forward"

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Tue May 03, 2011 2:17 pm

Wow, a good question that I struggle with when sailing Solo which I do a lot.

I tie the tiller off with a dock line and a bungee cord.

I tie my dock line from the starboard to the port side railing posts.

I have the tiller sitting up on the line that is tight between the 2 railing posts.

Then I wrap a rubber bungee cord around the tiller handle a few times, attaching each end of the bungee to the line strung under the tiller.

The bungee acts as a elastic bumper as it were. My tiller is tied off but it can flex/move if pushed hard the bungee the rudder can move a bit. I do not want my rudder immovably tied down so it would break if hit while un-attended.

Now current drift and side wind knock me off course fairly quickly so I tend to the rigging as fast as I can. I have more than once had to run back and do a course correction before I was done with the rigging.

I have an Auto Tiller on my wish list even before the GPS. I hope to get one that has both the Auto Tiller and the GPS so I can just set a course like I have seen on the big boat auto pilots.

But that would require me to really pry my wallet open which I just can't afford to do.

Some may remember my story of the power boater doing donuts around me while I was setting the jib up on the bow, trying to knock me off. I got conked on the forehead by the boom coming back to the cockpit and nearly knocked me out. The tiller was tied off before I went to the bow and I went strait below and sat for a good 20 min. to calm down and clear my head. My Honu sailed a slow steady course out into the middle of the bay all on it's own before I came back on deck to see where I was. It never worked that well before or since. I got luck that day.

Thanks
Alan

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Tue May 03, 2011 2:48 pm

When I had the Newport I used the cajun tiller tamer and when I go out with friends I teach them the same and on my 26 I have a helm and can tension it to hold course but all my lines run to the cockpit main halyard downhaul and furler line.

Andiron120 · Post by **Andiron120** » Wed May 04, 2011 7:29 am

I have everything run to the cockpit so don't have to go forward to often. When I do go forward I usually take some small stuff and take a couple of wraps on the tiller and tie it off snug but not tight on either side of the cockpit. Seems to keep things under control long enough to get the job done. I do need to come up with a better mouse trap though.

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Wed May 04, 2011 2:12 pm

Mine's complicated also,

I usually have Pam on board, but when I don't I run a bungee from the hasps for the lockers on each side of the cockpit with a couple wraps around the tiller. Once I get it close I can keep on course by changing my position on deck if needed. I will get my jib sail ready before leaving the dock tho, minimze risk and exposure on the foredeck when solo, and my lines also come to the cockpit...

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Wed May 04, 2011 4:54 pm

EmergencyExit wrote:I use the caveman version of Scott's Raymarine for quick trips forward..

http://www.blumhorst.com/potterpages/Ph ... -tamer.htm

This is the method I use, works well. Costs nothin!

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Wed May 04, 2011 9:17 pm

DING, DING, DING, DING! Winner, Winner!

This is another one of those blinding flashes of the obvious. Thank you Mariner!

You know we need to put a new thread together here. Bargain solution that really work like this one. Maybe $3.00 for the rope.

And the 3" ABS or PVC drain covers at the big box hardware store plumbing dept. to replace your scuppers in the C-22. A perfect fit for only $1.50 each.

And the dark grey, copper pipe insulation, from big box hardware store to make a seal for the top Bin board on the C-22. It keeps the sideways blowing rain and water out of the cabin just $.98. Cut it to size with one snip of your scissors, slip the split side over the edge of the top board, close the hatch and your done.

Oh, even better, www.chryslersailors.com priceless!

I know there is more I just can't think of them right now. (There's that age memory thing again.)

Help me out here folks what other Bargain boating solution do you have?

Thanks
Alan