Yesterday, for the first time I successfully sailed singlehandedly. Though things were stressful at times, I had a blast and things went well. Does anyone have any tricks for locking the tiller temporarily so as to go forward to raise sails, get an drink, etc? Not interested in an autopilot yet. I have a tiller extension which I was able to wedge into the bimini frame to escape the cockpit, but it seems there should be a better way. Is there an item (other than autopilot) made specifically for this purpose? Thanks.....Gary
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neil
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Gary Peaden
Ha....I have one!!
One was left in my boat from the previous owner! I almost threw it away not knowing what it was. Sheesh! what a break. Thanks.....Gary
One was left in my boat from the previous owner! I almost threw it away not knowing what it was. Sheesh! what a break. Thanks.....Gary
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Sailormannj
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Bill Miller
My experience prior to autopilot
I used a tiller tamer for two years, until the plastic line locking mechanism broke (sunlight stress I believe). Then I used a bungee cord wrapped once around the tiller. It worked great. Now I have an autopilot, what a luxury!!!!!
I used a tiller tamer for two years, until the plastic line locking mechanism broke (sunlight stress I believe). Then I used a bungee cord wrapped once around the tiller. It worked great. Now I have an autopilot, what a luxury!!!!!
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Best $20 I spend each year . . .
The tiller tamer is great. Its garbage. It breaks EVERY year. (and I live in Maine where sun damage is much less prevalent than most places). I replace it every year. The ability to lock the tiller down is very handy and unlike the bungee cord you get to pick exactly where the tiller sits as locked. I forgot to install this year's tiller tamer for four whole sails this spring - Saturday it got put on. Thank goodness!! Justin - O'day Owner's Web Autopilot? We don't need no autopilot!
The tiller tamer is great. Its garbage. It breaks EVERY year. (and I live in Maine where sun damage is much less prevalent than most places). I replace it every year. The ability to lock the tiller down is very handy and unlike the bungee cord you get to pick exactly where the tiller sits as locked. I forgot to install this year's tiller tamer for four whole sails this spring - Saturday it got put on. Thank goodness!! Justin - O'day Owner's Web Autopilot? We don't need no autopilot!
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Gary Peaden
Think I'll try the bungee method
There is a cleat mounted to my tiller, and I always wondered what for. I think the previous owner discarded the Tiller Tamer (which I found stowed away) and used the cleat for the bungee method. Though I've not used either, it seems that the bungee idea would work better as it allows for slight movement while secured. I'll know from experience soon......
There is a cleat mounted to my tiller, and I always wondered what for. I think the previous owner discarded the Tiller Tamer (which I found stowed away) and used the cleat for the bungee method. Though I've not used either, it seems that the bungee idea would work better as it allows for slight movement while secured. I'll know from experience soon......
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Sailormannj
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Jim
Try the tiller-tamer but move fast
I have had one on my O'Day 222 for 8 years with no problem - one of the first things I put onto my boat. It's not an auto pilot, but gives me just enough time to sails up and down and get a drink, especially when motoring. Mine has not broken yet. It also has the benefit of allowing you to add just alittle tension to the to helm if you like that feel.
I have had one on my O'Day 222 for 8 years with no problem - one of the first things I put onto my boat. It's not an auto pilot, but gives me just enough time to sails up and down and get a drink, especially when motoring. Mine has not broken yet. It also has the benefit of allowing you to add just alittle tension to the to helm if you like that feel.
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Scott
Heave-to
I usually sail singlehanded. I have used a bungee cord on the tiller, but have had some unpleasant experiences with unexpected tacking or jibing, resulting from wind changes or the effect of those bloody huge white cabin cruisers that have no regard for any other life forms. I generally heave-to: Leaving the jib tight hauled I tack and leave the jib on the wrong side of the boat while trimming the main to keep her steady. Now I lash the tiller to the leeward rail and the boat will remain very steady and slip gradually to leeward. Very handy for using the head, changing clothes, getting ground tackle ready, or doing some steady binocular work for navigation or birding. Because the sails are full you do not get the noise and wear of the sails luffing. I never do this for more than a few minutes, and I remain aware of what is happening around my boat.
I usually sail singlehanded. I have used a bungee cord on the tiller, but have had some unpleasant experiences with unexpected tacking or jibing, resulting from wind changes or the effect of those bloody huge white cabin cruisers that have no regard for any other life forms. I generally heave-to: Leaving the jib tight hauled I tack and leave the jib on the wrong side of the boat while trimming the main to keep her steady. Now I lash the tiller to the leeward rail and the boat will remain very steady and slip gradually to leeward. Very handy for using the head, changing clothes, getting ground tackle ready, or doing some steady binocular work for navigation or birding. Because the sails are full you do not get the noise and wear of the sails luffing. I never do this for more than a few minutes, and I remain aware of what is happening around my boat.
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