John, With all due respect, I did not say that a short tiller "Makes it TOO DIFFICULT to steer". What I said was (as seen below) "..... tough to hold on especially when under power". There have been several discussion here on this list, about the "Loading" on the tiller when under power.. Of course I am referring to the Loading on sharp turns such as I experience on my boat. I DO have an Inboard.
As is often the case with discussions on this and other Forums, We often make Broad Comments to try to cover the many variations of models and setups. It's hoped that this "Shotgun" approach to Long Distance problem solving will help. Not only the One but the many. In regards to the practice of Lifting the tiller UP to clear. As you suggested in your reply...Quote:....."I simply cock the tiller up at a good angle ".... On MY boat (1984 Standard), The BRACKET holding the Tiller handle and mounted at the Rudder post, Is a Cast Bronze "H". When the Tiller handle is LIFTED.... Only a SINGLE bolt running through the Aft part.. is taking the whole Load through the casting. If Torque, that Casting Can Break... I had such an example on my boat. The casting had cracked and rendered the tiller useless. I found that Inexperienced hands at the tiller .. would often lift the Tiller and drive the boat with only that Aft part taking the load. Frankly, I didn't want to replace the Bracket. Which I believe can only be had by ordering the head and bracket together at $ 600.00. By Flipping the tiller handle over, The handle is curved UP and even beginners drive the boat with that "H" bracket fully engaged with the Rudder Head. But as we all know.. Each Skipper/owner has his/her own way of sailing.. And that's good! Best Regards, Ralph Ahseln From: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 7:22 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IC27A] Re: Tiller Trouble 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" --- 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 >
