Free Flow Tiller

[West Wing]

I've heard many people talk about single handing the 240 - however in order to go forward at all (even to retrieve a Jib Sheet) - I must release the tiller. Of course upon releasing the tiller it immediately turns the boat into the wind. Other boats I have sailed on have much less play in the tiller, it can remain in position in light and moderate winds. so releasing it momentarily is no problem, has anyone determined a solution for this? Is it a problem for anyone?An example when trying to dock singlehanded - my approach is north with a very tight turn 180 degrees to bring the bow along side the dock facing south i.e. stern in. I cannot release the tiller to go forward to fend off and have resorted to bungy cording the tiller to the stern rail so that the bow will continue to come arounbd while I go forward.

 

[Alan Long]

tiller tamer

Check the West Marine or Boats US catalog for a device called a Tiller Tamer. It's cheap and works well. I clamped mine to the aluminum tiller on my 23.5 with stainless steel u bolts and a small piece of teak. You will also need to buy two clam cleats for the other ends of the control line. I have the clam cleats, but often just tie the line to the stern rail where it is out of the way of the swim ladder.Good luck...the Tiller Tamer was one of the first accessories I added to my boat back in 1994. It was probably the most cost effective too.Alan LongS/VRandom Access

 

[Wanderer138]

Docking

I have about the same docking setup, except I have to turn 180 degrees to get into a slip. I approach dead slow and then shift the engine into neutral as I start the turn. The turn kills off enough speed, and gives me plenty oftime to leave the helm and step off onto the dock. The boat doesn't change direction in the last boatlength or so because it's moving so slow that the tiller ceases to be effective, However, the momentum keeps it moving towards the dock. Depending on the wind direction, I shift into neutral earlier or later in the turn.You can also try approaching the dock from the south. Once you are alongside, turn the boat around by hand to face the other way. Good luck!PeterS/V Raven

 

[Mark Burrows]

Try doing it backwards

Whenever I single-hand, I just back into the slip. No running to the fordeck required.Mark