Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Over the years Peregrine has had quite a few additions, new main, new motor mount and motor, Tohatsu,. New cushions, a bow roller and a new furler. But this last year she got a custom cover. Something I should have done years ago. Made by Fairclough it is tough, they have the pattern and it fit beautifully. Admittedly we did not have a bad winter but we did have a few pretty heavy snows. Peregrine came through dry and protected.
Good evening all, I was reading the posts and have a question on the 'tiller pilot'. Are you all referring to the electric model? I am looking at the 'wavefront tiller clutch'. All manual and looks good for short times away from the helm. Does anyone have any experience with one of these? If so, can I get use the standard or do I need the HD model? Thanks Jay
Jay South County RI Cat 25 SR/FK/Trad #5645 Wind Dancer
The Davis Tiller Tamer is fully adjustable for resistance or you can lock it down. Its kinda the go to in tiller tamers and for much less than the one you are showing. I have one and it works fine.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688 Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound
Like so many other things, there are different - but perfectly valid - perspectives on securing the tiller. I've read of some interesting DIY arrangements, including some that allow for a bit of give, and I think a lot of people are happy with the Davis Tiller Tamer. My experience with the Davis device was not so positive. After going through two of them in fairly short order (plastic, not sturdy) I tried the WaveFront unit, and it has proved to be one of the best things I've put on the boat. Even when I'm using the tiller pilot (an old Autohelm 800 that came with the boat) I often disengage it and use the tiller clutch intermittently. However, whenever sea conditions require me to steer (or when I just prefer to steer manually) the tiller clutch gets a lot of use. It's so quick to engage and to disengage that I actually use it more while manually steering than as a temporary helm-lashing to allow me to get away from the tiller. It is indispensable for tacking single-handed. I'm on my third control line - they do wear out - but I haven't detected any reduction in holding power when I've replaced the control line. The unit seems to be holding up well after a few years of continuous operation. In terms of amount of use I'd say the tiller clutch has the edge over my tiller pilot, although they're both wonderful devices in their own right. If I lost both of them, however, I'd replace the clutch immediately and give more thought to replacing the pilot.
The trouble with a destination - any destination, really - is that it interrupts The Journey.
Lee Panza SR/SK #2134 San Francisco Bay (Brisbane, CA)
Good evening all, I was reading the posts and have a question on the 'tiller pilot'. Are you all referring to the electric model? I am looking at the 'wavefront tiller clutch'. All manual and looks good for short times away from the helm. Does anyone have any experience with one of these? If so, can I get use the standard or do I need the HD model? Thanks Jay
I found a "Tiller Tamer" on the boat when I bought her but did not like the way it looked on the tiller. I use a 1/4" piece of bungee cord with loops on the ends for the cleats and through a clove hitch over the tiller. It holds the tiller fine and I can shove the tiller to port or starboard without removing it if I need a quick adjustment. Old school is to do the same with a piece of line but I like the flexibility of the bungee cord. Also it keeps my tiller clean.
I would like to thank everyone for the input. I also did a search and found many reviews of all the methods. I have decided on the Wavefront Tiller clutch. I emailed wavefront and they told me, while the standard model would work, they recommend the HD 'X' model. I think the ease of use with the lever convinced me. I wish I could afford an auto pilot, but it's a little steep for me right now. Again, thanks for all the advice. Jay
Jay South County RI Cat 25 SR/FK/Trad #5645 Wind Dancer
Changes made beyond normal maintenance: Moving traveler just aft of companionway - way more enjoyable sailing Adding bimini (including aft extension) Roller furling
Other small stuff: Lines back to cockpit + clutches Clutches for fender lines
Having Yamaha outboard serviced by certified Yamaha service dealer has greatly improved reliability, reduced stress!
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.