Does anyone have any experience with those devices that hold the tiller for short periods of self-steering? I have been looking at installing a "tiller tamer" or similar gadget to hold course while I go forward to raise or lower sail, hit the head, etc. I have no desire or need for a real auto-pilot, just an extra hand for a short time while soloing. It would also be nice to have something better than bungees to hold the tiller amidships while at the dock. Thanks.
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AL
Great to have!
We had a tiller tamer on our previous boat and it worked well for "locking" the tiller in place. Make sure you mount it with line/rope at the proper angle. The first one we had broke because I tried mounting the line cleats too close and hence the smaller angle created problems. It's handy to have when mounted properly!
We had a tiller tamer on our previous boat and it worked well for "locking" the tiller in place. Make sure you mount it with line/rope at the proper angle. The first one we had broke because I tried mounting the line cleats too close and hence the smaller angle created problems. It's handy to have when mounted properly!
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Hugh
Best $20 you'll ever spend
Its great for temporary holds, and also good when you have the boat balanced and want to sit on the rail and steer with your foot... Its the best $20 ($10 at the time) I ever spent.
Its great for temporary holds, and also good when you have the boat balanced and want to sit on the rail and steer with your foot... Its the best $20 ($10 at the time) I ever spent.
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barry wiley
tiller tamers
i installed a "Tiller tamer" a few years ago and find it satisfactory for SHORT bouts away from the tiller due to wind shift except when on a broad reach. when hanking on my jib i usually attach a line to the tiller and run it up to the mast port and strbd to make necessary adjustments (without locking the tiller tamer).
i installed a "Tiller tamer" a few years ago and find it satisfactory for SHORT bouts away from the tiller due to wind shift except when on a broad reach. when hanking on my jib i usually attach a line to the tiller and run it up to the mast port and strbd to make necessary adjustments (without locking the tiller tamer).
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Ray Bowles
Mike, Look under tiller tamer in the small boat
archive as there have been 2 or 3 articules about just that. Most are home built and under $10. I built a very effective one out of PVC pipe that I use all the time and also when I tow the boat on the trailer. It uses the cockpit table leg and is very solid. I also use it for those times I must go up front or when using the outboard power. Ray S/V Speedy
archive as there have been 2 or 3 articules about just that. Most are home built and under $10. I built a very effective one out of PVC pipe that I use all the time and also when I tow the boat on the trailer. It uses the cockpit table leg and is very solid. I also use it for those times I must go up front or when using the outboard power. Ray S/V Speedy
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Marty Albright
Great gadgit!
I solo sail about 75% of the time and my tiller tamer is irreplaceable. It is great for short trips forward to adjust sails, un-bind lines, etc. Depending on wind and water conditions, you can go for a few seconds to several minutes. I have almost sailed the entire 12 mile lake with the tamer set. For longer periods, I recommend an autopilot or a good mate.
I solo sail about 75% of the time and my tiller tamer is irreplaceable. It is great for short trips forward to adjust sails, un-bind lines, etc. Depending on wind and water conditions, you can go for a few seconds to several minutes. I have almost sailed the entire 12 mile lake with the tamer set. For longer periods, I recommend an autopilot or a good mate.
tiller tamer
I had /tiller tamer , name brand, dont care for it as much as one I saw similiar on another boat, a tiller tamer you have this knob to tighten and loosen and a couple of times it took longer than I would have liked to loosen the knob, the one I like came from defender, not sure what it was called but you just tap the top of it to release looks and works slick , most likelly the same price, take care regards Mike Bacome
I had /tiller tamer , name brand, dont care for it as much as one I saw similiar on another boat, a tiller tamer you have this knob to tighten and loosen and a couple of times it took longer than I would have liked to loosen the knob, the one I like came from defender, not sure what it was called but you just tap the top of it to release looks and works slick , most likelly the same price, take care regards Mike Bacome
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mike
autopilot
well worth it -- sailnet has reconditioned simrad tillerpilots for $250 -- best $250 i ever spent -- it works well & it gives great freedom to move about
well worth it -- sailnet has reconditioned simrad tillerpilots for $250 -- best $250 i ever spent -- it works well & it gives great freedom to move about
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Jim Maroldo
Tiller Tamer is good,
but the autopilot is GREAT!. I have the Davis tiller tamer, and used it for the same thing you want it for. After 2 seasons, I had had it with running back to the cockpit when she rounded up while I was setting the jib. Almost got knocked over the side once when the jib smacked me in the face! Anyway, as one of the guys mentioned, I picked up a Simrad/Navico TP-20 tillerpilot while at the Annapolis show last year. Now I only use the Tiller tamer to keep the tiller from banging around at the dock! Setting sails, changing jibs, grabbing food or drink, using the head, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery for awhile is all possible now with no worries, mate! Enjoy! Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
but the autopilot is GREAT!. I have the Davis tiller tamer, and used it for the same thing you want it for. After 2 seasons, I had had it with running back to the cockpit when she rounded up while I was setting the jib. Almost got knocked over the side once when the jib smacked me in the face! Anyway, as one of the guys mentioned, I picked up a Simrad/Navico TP-20 tillerpilot while at the Annapolis show last year. Now I only use the Tiller tamer to keep the tiller from banging around at the dock! Setting sails, changing jibs, grabbing food or drink, using the head, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery for awhile is all possible now with no worries, mate! Enjoy! Jim Maroldo s/v: Lil' Wass Ett
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