Hi everyone, it is time to upgrade the tiller. I am wondering what height is most popular with 25/26 owners. I still have the straight tiller with no rise, it is always banging people in the knees and thighs. So I want some rise in the new one. Original tiller is 43", a lot of the tillers I am looking at right now are about 3" longer. Anyone see that as a problem?
ODay 25/26 owners-Time For a New Tiller
- Thread starter erie bound
- Start date
I just measured mine for my Oday 25. It is 43" long with about 4" rise to it. If it was three inches longer I probably wouldn't notice. I just bought a tiller extension and tiller lock for it this winter and cannot comment yet on it.
I know my O'Day is the 23, but I installed a curved up tiller, (from D&R), and I am so happy with it.
No more banging it on the knee,s and it is much much easier to move around under it. I love the fact also that it is a higher hold, makes sailing much easier.
The SS rudder bracket that holds the tiller had chipped the fiber glass away where it rests on a notch in the rudder case. I fixed this by getting a small SS strap from West Marine, cut the end square and bent it over about 1/4", drilled another hole and screwed it on the rudder. This made a nice solid stop and also added a bit of extra height to the tiller. I would not change a thing.....hope this helps in your decision.
Here's a couple of pics...
No more banging it on the knee,s and it is much much easier to move around under it. I love the fact also that it is a higher hold, makes sailing much easier.
The SS rudder bracket that holds the tiller had chipped the fiber glass away where it rests on a notch in the rudder case. I fixed this by getting a small SS strap from West Marine, cut the end square and bent it over about 1/4", drilled another hole and screwed it on the rudder. This made a nice solid stop and also added a bit of extra height to the tiller. I would not change a thing.....hope this helps in your decision.
Here's a couple of pics...
Thanks sdstef, do you wish your tiller was any higher? I am looking at one listed for Day 26 that has 9.75 rise. Wondering if that is too much.
I'd make sure the tiller will clear under the stern rail. I have to fully flatten the rudder against the transom to clear the forward protrusion of the blade from under the transom in order to remove the rudder. Of course you could just remove the tiller before the rudder but the tiller is a convenient lifting handle for the forty two pound hoist.
George
Not sure of the rise but the part number is DR100 on the D&R website.
My invoice says it is for all the O'Days up to 26ft.
Even the 43" tiller won't clear the stern rail, so that won't be a deciding factor, but all thoughts are welcome.
I fixed my rudder the same way Technodad did and it made a huge difference in terms of knee clearance, even with a straight tiller. It's not the greatest design.
Technodad,
Nice fix on the tiller rest stop. My tiller was resting on the transom when I got the boat. When I looked close I saw the fiberglass tiller rest stop was worn away. I built it back up but I like your idea. I may try adding the SS strap this spring.
New Tiller rise
It has the 4" rise, as I had the same issue with the straight stick banging knees. The 4" rise it plenty, 9"-10" might seem extreme. I believe I did get the 46" in length as well, as I like to sit forward at times, so the extra few inches in length helps with that.
Hope that helps.
Last season I had to purchase a new tiller for my 26 as well. I can’t recall the item number, but I ended up getting a stock one from West Marine I believe. I think I had a coupon and there was sale.
It has the 4" rise, as I had the same issue with the straight stick banging knees. The 4" rise it plenty, 9"-10" might seem extreme. I believe I did get the 46" in length as well, as I like to sit forward at times, so the extra few inches in length helps with that.
Hope that helps.