[Alberg30] Ideal Tiller

[Bob]

When cruising we use an AutoHelm tiller type autopilot a lot. When we 
first  started to sail offshore Barbara was concerned that while under 
autopilot one of us might slip and fall across the tiller which would 
break it because the autopilot was holding it in a fixed position. The 
wood I found to build a spare tiller was going to have to be laminated 
in three layers because I couldn't find wood thick enough to make it in 
one piece. I realized that with the three piece lamination I could 
easily add an extra hinge (pivot) to the tiller.

The current setup that we have  used happily for years is the following: 
the autopilot controls the tiller by connecting to the tiller with a 
bracket located about 15 inches from the rudder post pivot point. A 
second pivot point ('hinge') on the tiller is located just forward of 
the autopilot bracket. When under autopilot, the forward part of the 
tiller is tilted to a vertical position so the forward part of the 
cockpit is completely clear of the tiller. Only the 18 inches or so 
forward of the rudder post is blocked by the stub tiller and the 
autopilot.

Under autopilot the cockpit is clearer than it would be with a wheel. At 
anchor the tiller is pivoted to a vertical position at the rudder post 
and, as Mike pointed out, the cockpit is completely clear. All of the 
advantages of the tiller are there when not using the autopilot as you 
essentially then have a standard tiller. When leaving the boat on the 
mooring I tie the tiller stub and the forward part of the tiller is in 
the vertical position.

I can't imagine using any other arrangement on an A30 and am surprised 
that I haven't seen it on other boats.

Regards,
	Bob Johns,Wind Call #397

 //===============================================================//
         Cruising the Chesapeake: A Gunkholer's Guide

  My favorite Chesapeake Bay guidebook. While it mentions marinas,
  it concentrates on anchorages--the kind of places I prefer to spend
  my time. And in addition to listing shore facilities, it rates each
  location for Beauty/Interest and Protection. This is the guide you
  need to really cruise the Chesapeake Bay--a smorgasbord of small
  creeks and coves.

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0071363718/alberg30-20
 //===============================================================//

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