New(to me) Boat Owner!!!! Catalina 25

[Slim pickins]

I have recently purchased a 1979 Catalina 25 fin keel. The tiller has been snapped off, I am in the process in making an order for various other stuff and want to order a new tiller. I looked at the ones here, but have no idea which one to order. I haven't been out to the boat with a tape measure yet, so I was hoping you guys could help. I am looking at the C and D models. Any help would be appreciated. I will be sailing in Missouri lakes and want the most cockpit space so I'm leaning towards the D model. Again thanks for the help and wish me luck.

 

[larryw]

You don't have the broken piece? If not, don't get a short one with the goal of cockpit space. You want it to extend from the transom to about two/thirds the length of the cockpit. You'll need that lever arm to control the boat, especially if you plan to sit on the high side with a tiller extension. At anchor, the tiller will tilt up, and you can tie it off to the the backstay for cockpit lounging, or just push it all the way to one side.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Try the C25 Association website

Congratulations on your new boat. We had a 1981 for 12 years. Enjoy.

You need to get to know THESE guys: http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3

Keep coming back here, and there, to learn.

[Added] Also the OBVIOUS: www.catalinadirect.com - they also have a great C25 handbook which is highly recommended as an adjunct to the C25 manual which the C25 Association has on line. CD will know what tiller you should buy.

 

[Slim pickins]

Thanks Stu, I've been to that website, and it has some very good info, it just doesn't seem to be as active as this one. I don't have the broken off piece of tiller, and mine doesn't tilt up to attach to the backstay, wish it did.

 

[HukilauMike]

Harley: I have replaced the tiller on my Oday 23 twice, and I can tell you that there is no one "correct" tiller. Pick the one whose shape works for you in the cockpit. I originally had a straight stick, but changed to a highly curved model from H&L. This is the place I bought it from:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|297677|76313&id=76330

Note that the Oday 23 is not one of the boats for which this is the "direct" replacement. It would be fine on the Catalina 25 too.

 

[Slim pickins]

Mike, thanks that is what I've been looking at, except the one they have listed for the Cal25. I just got the boat so I have no idea what will be comftable for me when sailing her.

 

[HukilauMike]

Mike, thanks that is what I've been looking at, except the one they have listed for the Cal25. I just got the boat so I have no idea what will be comftable for me when sailing her.

Just stick a broom handle into the tiller stock so you can get a feel for what a straight stick will do as it swings across the cockpit. Now, imagine that stick about six inches higher as it moves thru its arc. It misses your knees; it misses the knees of the person sitting across from you; it is easier on your arm because it is closer to you and you don't have to reach down for it. I have found that the gently curving or straight tillers are nice if the tiller stock points them naturally at an upward angle. In other words, the tiller is by design pointed skyward to keep its arc out of the way. For those boats where the tiller enters the cockpit level (like your boat and mine), the curved tiller is the way to go.

 

[Slim pickins]

That's what I need to do, get a broomstick and get out to the boat. I am a machinist by trade and don't work well with wood, but I will be making an aluminum bracket so I can tilt the tiller out of the way. I went ahead and ordered the tiller in your link, I was contemplating the cal25 one last night but I think I'll be happy with the shorter one. And I like your description about hitting the knees, mine are bad already, don't need any more wear and tear on them.

 

[jimg]

Like Stu Jackson has already said: Catalina Direct has one specifically made for your boat. This search took me about 45 seconds. Spend the money and get something nice that is made for your exact boat.