My tiller is delaminating along two of the joints.Is it worth trying to reglue or should I just toss it and spend the $100 for a new one.If worth repairing,any particular type of glue?Gorilla is strong but messy when it expands.
Tiller Delaminating
- Thread starter bowtrash
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Clear epoxy or 'resorcinol'
Use either clear epoxy or "resorcinol" Resorcinol is the 'glue' used in marine plywood, etc. Dont use 5-minute epoxy, use the 'regular cure' grades. Clean the joints as best as you can, apply the glue, then clamp/press the whole works together. As the glue begins to cure you can remove it easly with a scraper, etc. You may want to use masking tape to protect the surface when the 'glue' squeezes out when clamping.
Use either clear epoxy or "resorcinol" Resorcinol is the 'glue' used in marine plywood, etc. Dont use 5-minute epoxy, use the 'regular cure' grades. Clean the joints as best as you can, apply the glue, then clamp/press the whole works together. As the glue begins to cure you can remove it easly with a scraper, etc. You may want to use masking tape to protect the surface when the 'glue' squeezes out when clamping.
No luck myself
I have had no luck in fixing delaminated tillers. The first time my tiller (a beautiful H&L model 112F) delaminated, I tried to fix it with West epoxy. The tiller had delaminated at the bolt holes attaching the rudderhead fitting to the tiller. I not only refastend the delaminating sections together, I also drilled out two half inch holes partway through the tiller, both from the bottom of the butt end through the separating sections. I partially filled these with epoxy, then stuck plugs made of oak into them to fill the rest of the holes. I "capped" the ends of plugs with more thickened epoxy. The tiller cracked again two weeks later. I replaced it with another H&L tiller. This one also cracked in the same location. This time, I reglued the thing with Gorilla glue, and I put a stainless steel bolt through the end of the tiller from top to bottom (washers at both ends) to strengthen it. Of course, this fix cracked again a few weeks later. My existing tiller (same make and model) has lasted. Why? I'm not sure, but it may have to do with the fact that I drilled the holes for the rudderstock bracket more in the center of the tiller than the other two times. Or, it may be that I have been more carefull about letting water get to the bolt holes. If you do fix your tiller, make sure you have a spare aboard your boat and you can install it easily. You never know.
I have had no luck in fixing delaminated tillers. The first time my tiller (a beautiful H&L model 112F) delaminated, I tried to fix it with West epoxy. The tiller had delaminated at the bolt holes attaching the rudderhead fitting to the tiller. I not only refastend the delaminating sections together, I also drilled out two half inch holes partway through the tiller, both from the bottom of the butt end through the separating sections. I partially filled these with epoxy, then stuck plugs made of oak into them to fill the rest of the holes. I "capped" the ends of plugs with more thickened epoxy. The tiller cracked again two weeks later. I replaced it with another H&L tiller. This one also cracked in the same location. This time, I reglued the thing with Gorilla glue, and I put a stainless steel bolt through the end of the tiller from top to bottom (washers at both ends) to strengthen it. Of course, this fix cracked again a few weeks later. My existing tiller (same make and model) has lasted. Why? I'm not sure, but it may have to do with the fact that I drilled the holes for the rudderstock bracket more in the center of the tiller than the other two times. Or, it may be that I have been more carefull about letting water get to the bolt holes. If you do fix your tiller, make sure you have a spare aboard your boat and you can install it easily. You never know.
Replacement tillers
If you decide to replace your tiller, Defender has the lowest prices for H&L tillers, much less than West Marine. I think this site also sells tillers, but my recollection is that they are custom, and are probably priced accordingly.
If you decide to replace your tiller, Defender has the lowest prices for H&L tillers, much less than West Marine. I think this site also sells tillers, but my recollection is that they are custom, and are probably priced accordingly.
Polyureathane(SP)
I've repaired my delaminated tiller with polyurethane glue. I've also repaired delaminated plywood with this type of glue also. Just follow the directions and ensure that you clamp the tiller while it is drying. I repaired the tiller 2 years ago and have not had any problems yet.
I've repaired my delaminated tiller with polyurethane glue. I've also repaired delaminated plywood with this type of glue also. Just follow the directions and ensure that you clamp the tiller while it is drying. I repaired the tiller 2 years ago and have not had any problems yet.
Screws
Several years ago I had good luck drilling pilot holes from the bottom side upwards, then running in hefty wood screws from underneath. I cleaned and glued all the cracks first, and countersunk the screw heads. Because the screws were a little shorter than the depth of the wood, they can only be seen if you look at the bottom of the tiller. They are still holding well. Cheap, and worth a try.
Several years ago I had good luck drilling pilot holes from the bottom side upwards, then running in hefty wood screws from underneath. I cleaned and glued all the cracks first, and countersunk the screw heads. Because the screws were a little shorter than the depth of the wood, they can only be seen if you look at the bottom of the tiller. They are still holding well. Cheap, and worth a try.
H&L makes good products.
H&L makes good products. I would suggest that you prepare the wood properly and lay up 7-8 coats of high quality varnish or cetol. Be sure that you have some varnish/cetol in the holes for the tiller head too. Keep your entire tiller covered (out of the sun & elements.
H&L makes good products. I would suggest that you prepare the wood properly and lay up 7-8 coats of high quality varnish or cetol. Be sure that you have some varnish/cetol in the holes for the tiller head too. Keep your entire tiller covered (out of the sun & elements.
Gorilla glue!
Open the joints as wide as you can and apply Gorilla glue then clamp them tight. The stuff is water proof and strong!The problem is that it expands so if you don't clamp the joints tight is will blow them out. It save one of my old tillers and I used it to make my new tiller. As far as messy goes, let the stuff dry the scrape off the expanded glue. r.w.landau
Open the joints as wide as you can and apply Gorilla glue then clamp them tight. The stuff is water proof and strong!The problem is that it expands so if you don't clamp the joints tight is will blow them out. It save one of my old tillers and I used it to make my new tiller. As far as messy goes, let the stuff dry the scrape off the expanded glue. r.w.landau
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