Tiller question

Hi all,

Last year I purchased a new aluminum tiller for my H16. This year I occassionally experienced erratic/poor locking of the tiller itself. Now it is broken in-half.

My question is; which tiller should I buy if I want to have something better?

I have seen the Arriba Hotstick in the catalog but know nothing about it.

...looking for advice, and really want a tough and reliable tiller so that I do not have to buy another one next year.


Thanks,

Dave

For goofing around you can't go wrong with the Hotstick type tiller extension. Invariably the extension will get dropped in between the rear crossbar and the tiller crossbar, then the extended end catches a wave and is bent back violently, only to return to its normal position. With regular cleaning and common sense use they will last through quite a few "accidents".

That said, a lot of people like to race using the standard issue Hobie, non-extendable tiller.

Dave,

Did you break it in half over your knee? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

After several "accidents" the bolt, attaching the yoke to the crossbar can get bent. Also look at the plastic washers, or lack there of. We like to use the old style crossbar slop kit washers with round side to match the crossbar and flat surface to mate with the yoke. Tightens things up considerably.

Personally, I prefer to use the Ariba Hotstick. It is the most durable extension I have used and has survived probably more accidents than it should have. I would highly reccomend this for racing and cruising.

Dave:

The Arriba Hotstick is the way to go. BUT you must keep it CLEAN. You can use a swimming pool if one is handy. Or you can fill a bath tub with water, angle the stick with handle end in tub and at the attachment end, put a little bit of dishing washing soap. Start slowing moving it in and out till all the crap is out of it. DON"T due this in slat water as it still has dirt and salt in it, MUST be fresh water. If you do this it will last a long tie and never stick on you. I also add the cork all which help it float if you drop it while tacking. You will lie it.

Doug Snell
Hobie 17 "Stress Free" #007

If you're really desperate (and have a spare aluminium ski pole) you can take the basket off, drill a hole through the bottom and insert your quick release or pin through, making a very nice tiller. This was done out of necissity after I left my tiller at home one day. I use a tripod made of old ski poles to help raise the main so a pole was the only thing I had and it worked damn well, the handle on the pole was great as long as I wasn't trap'n out.

My twenty-five year old fiberglass(wrapped in electrical tape) tiller works just fine though, even on trap. I attached a yellow foam practice golf ball from Wal-mart to the end with gorilla glue for extra leverage and ergonomics. It's easier to hold with lots of weather helm.

Dave,

I upgraded my stock H16 fibergalss stick to the Ariba. Loved it! Especially when I had to paddle the boat. I would sit on teh hull just in front of the tramp and the Ariba would extend long enough for me to effectivly steer while seated in the "paddling position". My current boat came with one. I have no idea how old it is but I would guess at least 10 years. It is in great shape and still works very well.

Thanks to everyone (once again) for the timely and helpful information.

I have ordered a Hotstick.


Can I assume the Hotstick uses the same tiller yoke as the aluminum sticks? I already have a couple spare yokes and I am hoping I will still be able to use them.


Dave <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

From Hobie yoke is included with the aluminum and hot sticks. Looks to be same as aluminum sticks yoke.

Sold with because the standard sticks "short" yoke won't work.

now i'm using pvc with an aluminum yoke. i have broken two hotsticks. i ran over a friend in a laser when my last one slipped while i was trying to bear off behind him. the extension was cracked i think because i sat on it... my pvc extension is flexible so it doesn't break, its lightweight, it's water tight and floats with a pvc end cap. it doesn't conduct electricity. its more comfortable than aluminum. it extends forward to the shrouds (about 90" long) so its just long enough for me to steer from the trap. it has proven to be durable: i've been using it for a couple of years and i sail a lot- a couple of times a week, year round...But it isn't legal. i still have my old fiberglass 'legal' one.

Any non-conductive material would be class legal.

Dave:

As I said before. Just remember to keep it clean. If sand are dirt gets in it, it will lock up.

Doug

mattmiller you're a class act. thanks. i really appreciate your participation on this board. its great to get info from the source. you da man! by the way its good to see resurgence in the h16 fleets, great boat.

Hey sounds like a terrific idea. Also the ski pole could be used like a ginpole for raising that mast if it should fall whilst sailing. I had it happen and sounds like just maybe a ski pole would make a makeshift mast raiser