Jesse,
The cam cleats for the jib sheets is definitely the way to go. Then you
have instant release if you get hit by a gust.
I have a Forespar tiller extension with a box for the knob in the
sidewall of the cockpit.
By playing with the length of the tiller extension, you can find the
point where it will hold a desired course, but .......... if you
change the balance of the boat by moving forward or down into the cabin,
things change and your course changes...........
If you don't have a Forespar tiller extension, then a jam cleat on the
P/S cockpit coaming allows you to loop a light line around the tiller and
you then adjust the desired line length (course desired) by lengthening
or shortening the line using a toggle. The toggle is just a little piece
of wood, about 3 inches long with two holes in it.
The line from the cleat goes through one hole, around the tiller and
then through the second hole where you tie it off with a figure eight
knot. Now you can slide the toggle forwards or backwards on the line
which changes it's length, and the position of the tiller.
I tie off the opposite side with a piece of light bungee cord. I make an
eye in the end that slips over the tiller, and then can put the free end
in the jam cleat.
That way, if you want to release the tiller holding system, you can pull
against the bungee cord and slip off the loop of line with the toggle and
the bungee cord and the tiller is totally free again.
~~~~~~~~~~~
My tiller extension is currently a mockup, so that I can play with
lengths, and tiller height at the forward end to find the length and
height that is most comfortable for me.
The Forespar tiller extension didn't work too well, because the angle is
all wrong. You have about a 120 degree angle between tiller and
extension if you are sitting all the way forward in the cockpit.
Ideally you want a 90 degree angle so that you can control the tiller
better.
My current solution for an extension allows me to remove the extension
when I want to use the original length tiller, while still giving me the
length and the lift at the forward end for comfortable operation.
My next thought is to do a total revision so that I have the tiller for
raising and lowering the rudder blade, while at the same time being able
to lift it completely out of the way when at anchor.
My thought there is to cut the tiller just forward of the rudder cheeks
and add a substantial hinge on the top surface, and a barrel bolt on the
bottom surface to keep the system locked in it's normal operating
position while sailing.
Having two tillers on hand, I have the luxury of being able to "play" to
see how the idea works.
Connie
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