[alberg30] Re: Tillers

[Robert E Johns]

From: Robert E Johns <bobjns at nais.com>

Charles Haggart wrote:
>> On my recently acquired Alberg 30 there is a not so good tiller. This is one
>> of the first things I want to replace. Can they be bought or do I laminate
>> one up myself?

Charles,

If you build your own tiller, I suggest that you consider adding a hinge in
the tiller just forward of the point where a tiller autopilot would attach.
If you do short-handed (two people) cruising, an autopilot is
indispensible. We were concerned that with the autopilot engaged that if
one of us fell on the tiller we might snap it. With a hinge that lets the
forward end of the tiller pivot up out of the way while sailing or powering
with the AP you end up with an almost unobstructed cockpit (less space than
a wheel) and no danger of breaking the tiller.

The hinge is easy to design into a laminated tiller. I reinforced mine with
stainless straps (tangs for a small sailboat). I placed mine 19.25 inches
from the butt end of the tiller, and have used two different autopilots
with it. If you have an autopilot, base the position on the location of the
tiller fitting.

If you plan to do any reasonable amount of cruising you will want an
autopilot. The "articulated tiller" on our boat was the best single
improvement we have made to the boat in 22 years of owning Wind Call.

Regards,
	Bob Johns, Wind Call #397



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