My tiller is cut down about 12 inches or so and works beautifully. I reshaped the end to allow for comfort in holding it. I do not understand comments that this makes it too difficult to steer when under power, but then I have an OB. I have always assumed the long C27 tiller was intended to make it easier to go forward and still control the boat. It is much longer than necessary to steer and control the boat. I have a tiller extension, so can sit outboard and run the boat and also this allows me to go pretty far forward and control the boat when single handing.
When I have a full cockpit, I simply cock the tiller up at a good angle to avoid spearing anyone. Also did this when the tiller was at original length. Usually a very full cockpit means you are not trying to win America's Cup and just accomplish reasonably seaman-like tacks or gybes with a high degree of personal comfort for all aboard. Often I accomplish this by simply stepping up on the cockpit seat with care not to bonk myself on the boom. John McLaughlin 1975 SR #1994 "Shambhala" -----Original Message----- From: RobAdkins <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tue, Jun 15, 2010 8:11 pm Subject: [IC27A] Re: Tiller Trouble ralph, thanks for the idea. did you remove the tiller from the head bracket before you turned it over or is the bracket upside down as well? --- In [email protected], "Ralph Ahseln" <rahs...@...> wrote: > > Rob, > May I suggest "Ralphing" the tiller.. (I didn't make that up. Someone on > this list did) All one has to do is... > > Just TURN you present Tiller.. Upside Down.. > > I did that several years ago. The problem of the Too Long Tiller had me > stumped. Shortening it made it tough to hold on to especially when under > power during a turn, I tried a couple different tillers but they didn't work > very well.. Then I turned just turned it upside down. > It solved lots of problems.. > No "knocking" the knees of crew, No banging against the cockpit seats, No > tired arm holding it > Now, I can move it around without hitting anyone or thing,, And, the best > part... I simply REST my hand on it while driving. > As to STANDING, ... While it may look Odd in a lot of ways, > The tiller will hold it's self up so you can Straddle the handle and ..YEP, > Steer the boat. Very comfortably, I might add (No jokes please.. LOL ).. > See the attached photo (sorry it's so ragged. I had to zoom it in a bit). > I stand behind the dodger driving for long periods of time steering with my > inner thighs. I only have to move away to do Large Course changes. > > And, you can always put it back to normal if you wish.. > I'll never go back to the standard tiller mounting. > > Ralph Ahseln > "Oblio" > Lying: Portland OR > > > From: RobAdkins > Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 12:03 PM > To: [email protected] > Subject: [IC27A] Tiller Trouble > > > > hi all, > > so my problem is my tiller is too long. LOL, not usually an issue brought by > a male but in this case it gets in the way of the crew when tacking. has > anyone experimented with a shorter tiller or one that folds in half or > something? our dodger prevents standing erect near the companion way so one > must step back a bit and risk a tillerous encounter. thoughts? > > thanks-rob >
