Tiller control for single handed sailing

[Scott in Portland]

I have a C-27. Anyone have any good ideads on how to stabalize the tiller for short periods of time while grinding, running below etc.? I need about 30 seconds to 5 minutes and don't want to spend a lot of money.Thanks in advance

 

[Bob Camarena]

Tiller Locks

The West Marine catalogue has two solutions for $19-$22, but if you're into minimal, try a simply lashing the tiller. On my previous C-27, I'd run a continuous line from the tiller. outside the stanchions up to and around the mast. There was enough friction in the system to hold the tiller in place, and I could steer from anywhere from the cockpit to the mast simply by pulling on the line. It took a little practice to know which direction to pull to turn port or starbord from the different locations, but it made single handing a lot simpler and safer.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Tiller tamer

These are the locks Bob was talking about. They're not actual steering devices, they're just for locking the tiller for a few minutes. Left for too long, it won't work well. Bob's suggestion sounds pretty cool AND cheap!LaDonna

 

[Richard]

get an autotiller autopilot!

They are not that expensive and it can make your life so much easier. I used to singlehand my 27 all the time with a navico autotiller. It was not very useful when sailing downwind (no autopilot is) or when sailing in very rough conditions.They are just great in winds of 0 to 20 knots or so if you are flying the proper ammount of sail. I most of all loved it for those times when I was motoring. Nothing more boring than holding a tiller on a motorboat!They are great for going below to use the facilities, put in reefs, point into the wind to raise and lower sails, while eating lunch, etc.Richard