There's been some discussion on autopilots on the forum lately. If I had to choose, I would say the one singlemost valued addition to my boat was the Autohelm ST1000. (I have pics of the installation that I'll try to scan in soon and post). While recently sailing on a really LONG tack (almost 12 miles), I thought..wouldn't it be nice if the tiller was hinged so that it would fold back out of the cockpit. The more I thought about this, the less I could see why not. I have been intending to replace the stock metal tiller with one made of wood. I am going to give some serious consideration (maybe build a prototype) on how to modify it to hinge near the pivot for the ST1000 so that it really frees up the cockpit. Some provision would be made to lock it in place in either position. Has anyone done this or have any comments pro or con? Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
- Status
Almost the Same Thought
On my 23.5 I removed the locknut on the tiller attaching bolt and replaced it with a wing nut so that when not in use I can remove it makes for a much nicer cockpit.
On my 23.5 I removed the locknut on the tiller attaching bolt and replaced it with a wing nut so that when not in use I can remove it makes for a much nicer cockpit.
Long Tack
Love those long tacks!!!!!! I use a Navco (the most basic model) and have found it to be the best add on that we've made.
Love those long tacks!!!!!! I use a Navco (the most basic model) and have found it to be the best add on that we've made.
another mod TBD
I believe you have the same HUGE h240 metal tiller I have, that hinges at the connection to the rudder. I can swing mine straight up vertical when not sailing and if the nut is tensioned good, it will stay. I think yours will do the same, but now you want a mid point break to accom the auto. I don't need such a long tiller since I usually pilot from way aft anyway, so I'm working on a MUCH shorter wooden one - that I will mount a telescoping extension to - in case I want to pilot from the sternrail seats or slide forward to mess with something on the deck. Interested in seeing the pics of your auto install job. Not really needed in my inland waterways, but always thought it would make a great single handing buddy to help with sail management. Your high acclaim has me thinking about it once again.... Brian Kile What the Heel
I believe you have the same HUGE h240 metal tiller I have, that hinges at the connection to the rudder. I can swing mine straight up vertical when not sailing and if the nut is tensioned good, it will stay. I think yours will do the same, but now you want a mid point break to accom the auto. I don't need such a long tiller since I usually pilot from way aft anyway, so I'm working on a MUCH shorter wooden one - that I will mount a telescoping extension to - in case I want to pilot from the sternrail seats or slide forward to mess with something on the deck. Interested in seeing the pics of your auto install job. Not really needed in my inland waterways, but always thought it would make a great single handing buddy to help with sail management. Your high acclaim has me thinking about it once again.... Brian Kile What the Heel
Brian,
I have a new computer and can't seem to get my scanner to work with it. I will try to hook the scanner back up to the old computer over the weekend and post the pics. I sail about 80% of the time on a small lake near home. I find the tiller pilot invaluable even in this lake's confines. Down on the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, you can often sail for hours on one tack. What a joy to let "Otto" take over for a while. Buy one; you won't regret it. Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
I have a new computer and can't seem to get my scanner to work with it. I will try to hook the scanner back up to the old computer over the weekend and post the pics. I sail about 80% of the time on a small lake near home. I find the tiller pilot invaluable even in this lake's confines. Down on the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, you can often sail for hours on one tack. What a joy to let "Otto" take over for a while. Buy one; you won't regret it. Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
Folding Tiller
If you can find a copy of SAIL mag. for Jan. 1999. They have the plan for a folding tiller in their "things that work" section.
If you can find a copy of SAIL mag. for Jan. 1999. They have the plan for a folding tiller in their "things that work" section.
Thanks, Mike.
I suscribe to Sail and don't recall seeing the article but I'll dig it out and check. I'm about 85% there "in my mind" on how I want to accomplish this. Maybe the article will fill in that last 15%.
Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240
I suscribe to Sail and don't recall seeing the article but I'll dig it out and check. I'm about 85% there "in my mind" on how I want to accomplish this. Maybe the article will fill in that last 15%.
Mark Kissel Kittiwake/98H240- Status