Tiller Locking

[Phil]

I am a second year sailor on my Mac 26S "Madrigal" and I am wanting to do much more by way of solo sailing this year. Don't get me wrong, I love my crew, it is juat that I want to get out more often than they do and I am limited by the necessity to have someone hold onto the equipment during the delicate times such as ajusting sheets and halyards. So please tell me about tiller locking. Do these systems work? Is a bungee-rig better (not as "hard" in terms of resisting natural give and take on the rudder during a normal sail I am told) or are they all a fallacy? Don't get me wrong I am not going to be sleeping in my hammock aforeships, but I need an exrtra pair of hands to solo. Any advice would be welcome.Thanks.Phil R

 

[Ol' Dave West]

The Tiller Tamer works for me

Phil. I looked in the Chandlery here on the site, but came up blank. Mine cost about twenty dollars and is one step above a bungee cord rig ... but it gives me the confidence to go forward or down below to make a sandwich when I am solo. Is that Thames River Yacht Club as in THE THAMES ... Jolly ol' England?

 

[Phil]

Limey indeed

Ol'Dave,While I do hail from blighty, Londinium in fact, I am now in Ontario. Here is our link.http://www.thamesriveryachtclub.org/pages/thames_river_yacht_clubpag.htmlthanks for the info.regards Phil

 

[Rob]

I use a tiller extension

A tiller extension will let you adjust sails while steering. It can also be held in place by jamming it up against the side and bungying it down. Its very handy being able to adjust sails without having to move.

 

[MrBill]

or a simple cleat

I received a tiller tamer in the box with my boat. however I installed a small jam cleat to the underside of the tiller. seems to work well enough...

 

[Bob]

Try Tiller Stay

This is the product that you need. (see link) Reasonably priced, adjustable, and it really works. I tried the jerry rig versions and they just don't compare. Even Practical Sailor rated this the best.Good luck.Bob~~~_/)~~~

 

[Ken]

Tiller Lock

Go to www.cansail.com and check out "Tiller Lock". It is all stainless steel and brass.No plastic or nylon to break like "Tiller Tamer".An independent review claims it will probably start to show some wear in about 50 yrs.I think they're about the same price as a "Tiller Tamer".I've had both and there's no contest.