Tiller crowds cockpit

[Jason Levy]

I know that the 26.5 is supposed to be able to have 4-6 people in the cockpit, but without sternrail seats and with the 26.5's huge tiller, has anyone managed to find a way to do this without tripping over people? Sometimes I wish that the rudder was mounted on the transom so I could have a shorter tiller. I've heard people talk about installing a wheel, but that also looks like it would overcrowd the cockpit. Any ideas -would a shorter tiller work ok?

 

[Been there]

It's easy to test for a shorter tiller

Lash a short piece of small stuff around the tiller, where you think you want to shorten it, then go for some sails, holding the tiller only below that mark. If that proves comfortable, then you can safely shorten your tiller. If you find that you're often grabbing beyond the mark, to obtain more leverage or because of where you want to sit, then you know why you shouldn't.

 

[Michael Salois]

tiller

I also have a 26.5 Hunter so I know what you are talking about. I love the walk through transom but the tiller can be a pain. Most of the time a shorter tiller would work okay but in a heavy wind I think it would be to hard to handle. If you use a tiller pilot you can cut and hinge the tiller to tip back over the pin on the tiller giving you about two feet more room. Sail magazine had an article about doing this in its Jan.99 issue. Don't have a scanner or I would send it to you. Good Luck

 

[John Allison]

Michael, I would like a copy!

Michael, The Hunter 25s have the same problem ..... to swing the tiller wipes out half the cockpit population. I would like to see what Sail Mag had to offer. Would appreciate a zerox copy of that article. If you could copy it and send it to me I would greatly appreciate and would cover any expenses involved. Mailing address is 21723 Lange, St Clair Shores, MI 48080.

 

[Janel]

Keep your people behind you.

I found that because of cramped cockpit area and tiller control that it was much easier to have my passengers/crew behind me. It's very comfortable for me to be leaning on the cabin with left foot in the cockpit and right knee on the lazarette with the tiller at my back. For quick maneuvers, I just lift up on the tiller and avoid my passengers' heads. It actually works pretty well and is pretty comfortable. I've never considered shortening my tiller -- too many times when it's been real handy to have the full length.Try tilling behind your back. You just might prefer it that way.