Tiller preferences

[Indysailor]

Looking to buy a new tiller for my Oday 23, which currently has the original, straight ash model. Seems like one with a rise might help to keep from hitting knees in the cockpit, but I see there are a few options, some of which appear to be pretty high. Wondering what others like.

Assuming I buy a new tiller with a 2-4 inch rise, I would also want a tiller extension. Nothing fancy, all I really want is to be able to sit far enough forward to see the telltales on the head sail, which I can do now, but at the cost of having to reach pretty far back to the tiller. As always, a little research brings up about a jillion different models, lengths, etc.

 

[Joe11688]

Myself, I like a straight tiller because I was able to mount the pin for my autopilot on top of the tiller. Once you start using an autopilot you never sail without it.

 

[Indysailor]

Thanks Joe,
My autopilot is a rope and bungee.

 

[Joe11688]

Thanks Joe,
My autopilot is a rope and bungee.

Whatever works, right?

 

[RichBone]

Get a curved tiller and raise it up a bit. Figure out where the the one is now and see how much it needs to rise to clear your knees and be at a level so your arm isn't down too far either. An auto pilot can be configured for any tiller.

This is the tiller extension I got-
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|297677|103258&id=103259

 

[Flyboy69]

I got this one from Westmarine. The "B"
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50145&classNum=50146#.UC2nRqmPWyo

It only has one coat of lacquer on it but thats my only complaint! Looks handsome fits perfectly. Gonna take it off in the fall and refinish it properly. Can't beat the price!
I have a '78 Oday 23'

 

[RichBone]

With a canvas tiller cover the varnish will last a long time

 

[Indysailor]

Thanks guys. First thing will be to fix the rudder; the molded ledge that supports the tiller has long since broken off so that it just rests on the transom. Without that, it's hard to tell what rise is best. I am going to attach a 1/8" SS strap instead of trying to rebuild it.

 

[Technodad]

Indysailor, I did the same thing, I got a SS strap from WM and cut it shorter then bent the cut edge over in the vise to form about a 1/8-3/16 turn over. I drilled an extra hole in it and screwed it on the rudder. You can just see it in this pic.
The small rise on these fantastic tillers from D&R Marine are really comfortable. D&R have a very good price on these too.

 

[Technodad]

Here's a pic of the SS strap I put on the front edge of the rudder, it makes a solid surface for the tiller to come down on.

 

[Indysailor]

Here's a pic of the SS strap I put on the front edge of the rudder, it makes a solid surface for the tiller to come down on.

Thanks for posting that photo. I don't see where you bent the strap, though. I was thinking of a strap running horizontally, turning 90 degrees around each side, but if that has worked for you I think it looks like an easier way to go.

 

[Technodad]

The top edge of the strap is turned over 90 degrees about 3/16" on the top.
You can see the chipped away FG under it.
One of my future projects is restoring the rudder.

 

[Indysailor]

The top edge of the strap is turned over 90 degrees about 3/16" on the top.
You can see the chipped away FG under it.
One of my future projects is restoring the rudder.

Got it- thanks again.