Hi All,

I'm replacing my floppy orange conduit tiller. Apart from being too flexible, it was too short.

I'm 6'4" and I worked out that fully extended on trap with weight up front for working in a stiff breeze, I woud need 3m's. It does look somewhat long though. Is it too long?

2nd Question.... Anyone going to Sugarloaf tomorrow?

Cheers

Hi Simon

It sounds long but it may not be, try it and see how you go, I can't give a measurement for mine, but remember when I layed it straight, it would sit in the 'V' between the diamond wire and the mast, I think by probably 200-300mm.

My tillers were half aluminium and half grey conduit, if you fell off the boat or capsized and somehow bent the tiller over the side of the hull it wouldn't break, but it was stiffer than all conduit.

Heat the end of the conduit, slide in a piece of aluminium, and whack in a pop rivet or two.

Regards

My tiller was 3 meters, but I cut it down buy about 200-300mm and Im 5"11

And no Im not going to sugarloaf tomorrow, a bit far for me to go <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

William

Thanks Guys..

Both your comments point to about 2600 - 2800mm, so I'll start with 2800. I'm using 20mm Bunnings stuff as at the price, I can have a spare ready to go. It seems much better than conduit but if it's a bit fragile come capsize time I'll try your solution Matt.

I also put a longer mainsheet on today as the original was also too short. Could end up in a real mess with rope and tiller everywhere if I'm not careful <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Cheers

Sugarloaf tomorrow - There with bells on.

I just checked the lake level - 49% <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And weather is a few showers and a balmy 13 degrees. Hope there will be a bit of breeze as well. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Trevor

2.4m
16mm dia aluminium tube - cheap and light.
Bends and straightens once (or twice if you are lucky) but doesn't snap when you go over the side with it.

Simon,

Basically I use a measurement of approx a full hand span forward of the fwd beam.....that is about right for me anyway.

And I use Carbon extension....it takes a lot of punishment, even tolerate to being placed in a curve when swimming and usually returns to it's original shape.....unless ou are unlucky enugh to break it.

Material is personal prefernce....I absolutely loath the conduit ...

Enjoy.

David
"Banh Sidhe"

simon, from many years of sailing 14 skiffs, which involves the constant replacement of broken tiller extensions! we found the most durable aluminium was 16mm with a thicker wall thickness rather than 20-22mm with thinner wall thickness. the 16mm would always be able to be rebent with a knee at the gybe mark!!!

Simon,

I may be able to get some aircraft strength aluminuim alloy tube. My tiller extension is made from this stuff and you can bend it by applying some considerable loading and it just bounces straight back. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Let me know if you want me to follow up on this.

Regards,

Peter

Thanks Peter, that would be great.

I can use my new bunnings one to find a good length in the mean time so don't bust a boiler, just when you can.

Many thanks.