I would like to get my boat so that it is "more comfortable" for single handed sailing. I have a hank on jib (would like to have roller furling but dont at the moment). Assuming that I put the jib on but not raised at the dock, I can raise the jib ok on the water. But when I drop it, its because it got too windy and Im finding that I need to go up to the front of the boat and tie it down or it starts to blow over the side and also creep back up the front stay. This is the only time I can think of that I would need an autopilot but Im wonding if you can "survive if your fast" just using something like a tiller tamer. Seems like it might be a little hairy but at this point, you have the jib down and the main could be let way out so maybe its workable.
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I would like to get my boat so that it is "more comfortable" for single handed sailing. I have a hank on jib (would like to have roller furling but dont at the moment). Assuming that I put the jib on but not raised at the dock, I can raise the jib ok on the water. But when I drop it, its because it got too windy and Im finding that I need to go up to the front of the boat and tie it down or it starts to blow over the side and also creep back up the front stay. This is the only time I can think of that I would need an autopilot but Im wonding if you can "survive if your fast" just using something like a tiller tamer. Seems like it might be a little hairy but at this point, you have the jib down and the main could be let way out so maybe its workable.
tiller tamer
First install a downhaul on the jib and then most of your problems are solved. With the down haul you should have the jib sheet led to the cockpit with a stopper or a tie-off. You can make a quick-and-dirty tiller tamer by using two long bungee cords. Attach one end of the bungees to the starboard side of your boat at the rail and near the end of the tiller, then take two loops around the tiller and lead the bungees to the port side of the cockpit rail and attach. You can now tighten the bungees by adding loops and leave the tiller for short periods of time. But, you could buy an inexpensive tiller tamer for $25-$50 and install like I have on my 22' Venture, works great. Novelman
First install a downhaul on the jib and then most of your problems are solved. With the down haul you should have the jib sheet led to the cockpit with a stopper or a tie-off. You can make a quick-and-dirty tiller tamer by using two long bungee cords. Attach one end of the bungees to the starboard side of your boat at the rail and near the end of the tiller, then take two loops around the tiller and lead the bungees to the port side of the cockpit rail and attach. You can now tighten the bungees by adding loops and leave the tiller for short periods of time. But, you could buy an inexpensive tiller tamer for $25-$50 and install like I have on my 22' Venture, works great. Novelman
tiller tamer
First install a downhaul on the jib and then most of your problems are solved. With the down haul you should have the jib sheet led to the cockpit with a stopper or a tie-off. You can make a quick-and-dirty tiller tamer by using two long bungee cords. Attach one end of the bungees to the starboard side of your boat at the rail and near the end of the tiller, then take two loops around the tiller and lead the bungees to the port side of the cockpit rail and attach. You can now tighten the bungees by adding loops and leave the tiller for short periods of time. But, you could buy an inexpensive tiller tamer for $25-$50 and install like I have on my 22' Venture, works great. Novelman
First install a downhaul on the jib and then most of your problems are solved. With the down haul you should have the jib sheet led to the cockpit with a stopper or a tie-off. You can make a quick-and-dirty tiller tamer by using two long bungee cords. Attach one end of the bungees to the starboard side of your boat at the rail and near the end of the tiller, then take two loops around the tiller and lead the bungees to the port side of the cockpit rail and attach. You can now tighten the bungees by adding loops and leave the tiller for short periods of time. But, you could buy an inexpensive tiller tamer for $25-$50 and install like I have on my 22' Venture, works great. Novelman
aha!
Thanks! A quick google of jib downhaul shows what this is and several good ways to implement. I think this along with something to temporarilly hold the tiller would meet my needs.
Thanks! A quick google of jib downhaul shows what this is and several good ways to implement. I think this along with something to temporarilly hold the tiller would meet my needs.
aha!
Thanks! A quick google of jib downhaul shows what this is and several good ways to implement. I think this along with something to temporarilly hold the tiller would meet my needs.
Thanks! A quick google of jib downhaul shows what this is and several good ways to implement. I think this along with something to temporarilly hold the tiller would meet my needs.
autopilots rock!
I singlehanded for over a year before I got my pilot... best $300 I EVER spent. it totally changed the sailing experience... very strong recommendation! Before the pilot, I had a jam cleat under the tiller I used to lock the tiller.. (same concept as the tamer..) worked ok for 30sec -1 min. I agree that a proper downhaul on the jib can solve the dousing the jib problem... and you can wait to spend the bucks.. and fwiw, I also have a tiller tamer from the PO, that I'll sell you for good price...
I singlehanded for over a year before I got my pilot... best $300 I EVER spent. it totally changed the sailing experience... very strong recommendation! Before the pilot, I had a jam cleat under the tiller I used to lock the tiller.. (same concept as the tamer..) worked ok for 30sec -1 min. I agree that a proper downhaul on the jib can solve the dousing the jib problem... and you can wait to spend the bucks.. and fwiw, I also have a tiller tamer from the PO, that I'll sell you for good price...
autopilots rock!
I singlehanded for over a year before I got my pilot... best $300 I EVER spent. it totally changed the sailing experience... very strong recommendation! Before the pilot, I had a jam cleat under the tiller I used to lock the tiller.. (same concept as the tamer..) worked ok for 30sec -1 min. I agree that a proper downhaul on the jib can solve the dousing the jib problem... and you can wait to spend the bucks.. and fwiw, I also have a tiller tamer from the PO, that I'll sell you for good price...
I singlehanded for over a year before I got my pilot... best $300 I EVER spent. it totally changed the sailing experience... very strong recommendation! Before the pilot, I had a jam cleat under the tiller I used to lock the tiller.. (same concept as the tamer..) worked ok for 30sec -1 min. I agree that a proper downhaul on the jib can solve the dousing the jib problem... and you can wait to spend the bucks.. and fwiw, I also have a tiller tamer from the PO, that I'll sell you for good price...
Just installed my tiller tamer and I love it.
I also have an old Tillermaster and found that I was able to use it less. It makes an annoying buzz every time it corrects. It is really nice for the long haul or when you have to visit the john. I have also found it helpful in windy situations where I have my handsful. It has a whole lot more nerve than I do and will hold a steady course no matter how much you are healing I tend to chicken out long before it does. Frank
I also have an old Tillermaster and found that I was able to use it less. It makes an annoying buzz every time it corrects. It is really nice for the long haul or when you have to visit the john. I have also found it helpful in windy situations where I have my handsful. It has a whole lot more nerve than I do and will hold a steady course no matter how much you are healing I tend to chicken out long before it does. Frank
Just installed my tiller tamer and I love it.
I also have an old Tillermaster and found that I was able to use it less. It makes an annoying buzz every time it corrects. It is really nice for the long haul or when you have to visit the john. I have also found it helpful in windy situations where I have my handsful. It has a whole lot more nerve than I do and will hold a steady course no matter how much you are healing I tend to chicken out long before it does. Frank
I also have an old Tillermaster and found that I was able to use it less. It makes an annoying buzz every time it corrects. It is really nice for the long haul or when you have to visit the john. I have also found it helpful in windy situations where I have my handsful. It has a whole lot more nerve than I do and will hold a steady course no matter how much you are healing I tend to chicken out long before it does. Frank
Tamer or auto
A Tiller Tamer and an Auto Pilot are two completely differt animals. One just holds the tiller while you quick take care of something, the other actually steers the boat. If you can afford it, the Auto Pilot will be your best sailing buddy. He'll always go out with you, will steer a straight corse, and not get tired of doing it either. He will drink a bit off of your batteries, but never needs to take a break. After you get used to using it, you will never want to be with out one. Wind vanes can work even better, but cost much more, and are a little fragile hanging out the back there when trailoring. You can make your own tiller tamer with a hunk of rope, or bungy cords. It will hold the tiller, but not a corse. The problem with small boats is that if you move much, with a tiller tamer the boat will change corse. Small boats require more rudder input than large boats as they are moved easier by wind and waves. A Mac is an oversized dinghy. You can alter coarse by just moving the weight around in them. A tillet tamer can't adjust for that, an auto pilot will. You will find yourself more willing to do longer sailing trips with an auto pilot. At first it seems that always having to steer is a lot of fun, 10 hours later you wish someone would releave you so you can relax too. Don't get over confident with your auto pilot, it still needs some one to keep watch, as it is blind! Also as the others said, check out a down haul for your jib. However there are very good furling systems now that will not only furl your jib but can roller reef too. Check out the CDI and Shaffer systems. After all, "A Boat Is A Hole In The Water Into Which One Pours Money". And "He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins".
A Tiller Tamer and an Auto Pilot are two completely differt animals. One just holds the tiller while you quick take care of something, the other actually steers the boat. If you can afford it, the Auto Pilot will be your best sailing buddy. He'll always go out with you, will steer a straight corse, and not get tired of doing it either. He will drink a bit off of your batteries, but never needs to take a break. After you get used to using it, you will never want to be with out one. Wind vanes can work even better, but cost much more, and are a little fragile hanging out the back there when trailoring. You can make your own tiller tamer with a hunk of rope, or bungy cords. It will hold the tiller, but not a corse. The problem with small boats is that if you move much, with a tiller tamer the boat will change corse. Small boats require more rudder input than large boats as they are moved easier by wind and waves. A Mac is an oversized dinghy. You can alter coarse by just moving the weight around in them. A tillet tamer can't adjust for that, an auto pilot will. You will find yourself more willing to do longer sailing trips with an auto pilot. At first it seems that always having to steer is a lot of fun, 10 hours later you wish someone would releave you so you can relax too. Don't get over confident with your auto pilot, it still needs some one to keep watch, as it is blind! Also as the others said, check out a down haul for your jib. However there are very good furling systems now that will not only furl your jib but can roller reef too. Check out the CDI and Shaffer systems. After all, "A Boat Is A Hole In The Water Into Which One Pours Money". And "He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins".
Tamer or auto
A Tiller Tamer and an Auto Pilot are two completely differt animals. One just holds the tiller while you quick take care of something, the other actually steers the boat. If you can afford it, the Auto Pilot will be your best sailing buddy. He'll always go out with you, will steer a straight corse, and not get tired of doing it either. He will drink a bit off of your batteries, but never needs to take a break. After you get used to using it, you will never want to be with out one. Wind vanes can work even better, but cost much more, and are a little fragile hanging out the back there when trailoring. You can make your own tiller tamer with a hunk of rope, or bungy cords. It will hold the tiller, but not a corse. The problem with small boats is that if you move much, with a tiller tamer the boat will change corse. Small boats require more rudder input than large boats as they are moved easier by wind and waves. A Mac is an oversized dinghy. You can alter coarse by just moving the weight around in them. A tillet tamer can't adjust for that, an auto pilot will. You will find yourself more willing to do longer sailing trips with an auto pilot. At first it seems that always having to steer is a lot of fun, 10 hours later you wish someone would releave you so you can relax too. Don't get over confident with your auto pilot, it still needs some one to keep watch, as it is blind! Also as the others said, check out a down haul for your jib. However there are very good furling systems now that will not only furl your jib but can roller reef too. Check out the CDI and Shaffer systems. After all, "A Boat Is A Hole In The Water Into Which One Pours Money". And "He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins".
A Tiller Tamer and an Auto Pilot are two completely differt animals. One just holds the tiller while you quick take care of something, the other actually steers the boat. If you can afford it, the Auto Pilot will be your best sailing buddy. He'll always go out with you, will steer a straight corse, and not get tired of doing it either. He will drink a bit off of your batteries, but never needs to take a break. After you get used to using it, you will never want to be with out one. Wind vanes can work even better, but cost much more, and are a little fragile hanging out the back there when trailoring. You can make your own tiller tamer with a hunk of rope, or bungy cords. It will hold the tiller, but not a corse. The problem with small boats is that if you move much, with a tiller tamer the boat will change corse. Small boats require more rudder input than large boats as they are moved easier by wind and waves. A Mac is an oversized dinghy. You can alter coarse by just moving the weight around in them. A tillet tamer can't adjust for that, an auto pilot will. You will find yourself more willing to do longer sailing trips with an auto pilot. At first it seems that always having to steer is a lot of fun, 10 hours later you wish someone would releave you so you can relax too. Don't get over confident with your auto pilot, it still needs some one to keep watch, as it is blind! Also as the others said, check out a down haul for your jib. However there are very good furling systems now that will not only furl your jib but can roller reef too. Check out the CDI and Shaffer systems. After all, "A Boat Is A Hole In The Water Into Which One Pours Money". And "He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins".
Shock Cord
My father just attaches a shock cord to the tiller then attaches it to one of the rails and makes the boat go in circles.
My father just attaches a shock cord to the tiller then attaches it to one of the rails and makes the boat go in circles.
Simple tiller tamer
I have done this effectively on several sailboat. Buy a length of bungee cord long enough to take two or three wraps around tiller and secure each end to cleats on cockpit rail. By experimenting a little you can get the right tension for conditions. Of course this isn't going to hold a steady course for too long, but if your sails are trimed about right this will allow you some time away from steering.
I have done this effectively on several sailboat. Buy a length of bungee cord long enough to take two or three wraps around tiller and secure each end to cleats on cockpit rail. By experimenting a little you can get the right tension for conditions. Of course this isn't going to hold a steady course for too long, but if your sails are trimed about right this will allow you some time away from steering.
Mr Bill
I assume that for $300 you have a Simrad TP10? I'm starting to give some serious thought to an autopilot. I almost bought a TP30 from E-bay this morning for $250... but I wasn't ready to go for it just yet. We've made a lot of changes to our boat over the last couple of months getting ready to sail to Bimini with the Conch Cruisers and I'm not inclined to make any more until after the trip.
I assume that for $300 you have a Simrad TP10? I'm starting to give some serious thought to an autopilot. I almost bought a TP30 from E-bay this morning for $250... but I wasn't ready to go for it just yet. We've made a lot of changes to our boat over the last couple of months getting ready to sail to Bimini with the Conch Cruisers and I'm not inclined to make any more until after the trip.
TP10 pilot
<"The problem with small boats is that if you move much, with a tiller tamer the boat will change corse. Small boats require more rudder input than large boats as they are moved easier by wind and waves. A Mac is an oversized dinghy. You can alter coarse by just moving the weight around in them."> Exactly! The cup holding the tiller looks good.. for what it is... And the pilot IS the price of a new sail... FWIW: I have small a jam cleat on the underside of the tiller, (black bungy holding the tiller extension), and am able to use a line run between the existing stern cleats. (no holes drilled). I have the TP10 and got it off ebay, NIB. been very happy. would buy it again. I mounted my tiller pin closer to the pivot point than recommended, and the extra load on the pilot has not been an issue. I have a Ida rudder so that helps. I also now have 2) grp 27 batts.. some of the newer wireless remote control models are really nice... specially if its raining...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/TenThousandIslands/396470b6.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/mac/373c4e11.jpg
<"The problem with small boats is that if you move much, with a tiller tamer the boat will change corse. Small boats require more rudder input than large boats as they are moved easier by wind and waves. A Mac is an oversized dinghy. You can alter coarse by just moving the weight around in them."> Exactly! The cup holding the tiller looks good.. for what it is... And the pilot IS the price of a new sail... FWIW: I have small a jam cleat on the underside of the tiller, (black bungy holding the tiller extension), and am able to use a line run between the existing stern cleats. (no holes drilled). I have the TP10 and got it off ebay, NIB. been very happy. would buy it again. I mounted my tiller pin closer to the pivot point than recommended, and the extra load on the pilot has not been an issue. I have a Ida rudder so that helps. I also now have 2) grp 27 batts.. some of the newer wireless remote control models are really nice... specially if its raining...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/TenThousandIslands/396470b6.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/mac/373c4e11.jpgweight shift steering
The auto steering looks pretty cool. Ive got a pretty long list of things I need to mess with before this however.. My main need right now is for just to temporarilly hold the tiller for things like comming into the dock singlehanded, ect. The comments about the weigt shifting causing the boat to steer has got me wondering if I cant take advantage of this when the tiller is locked. Ie, when the tiller is locked and Im up messing with for example the sail controls, I wonder if I cant do any minor steering by just moving my weight from side to sde. Ill have to try it next time out.
The auto steering looks pretty cool. Ive got a pretty long list of things I need to mess with before this however.. My main need right now is for just to temporarilly hold the tiller for things like comming into the dock singlehanded, ect. The comments about the weigt shifting causing the boat to steer has got me wondering if I cant take advantage of this when the tiller is locked. Ie, when the tiller is locked and Im up messing with for example the sail controls, I wonder if I cant do any minor steering by just moving my weight from side to sde. Ill have to try it next time out.
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