Autopilot arm on rudder post

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by carlo de leo

Hello again!
Thread Updates

Inicial Problem: tiller arm was sliding on rudder post

Decision taken: rebuild the actual one piece tiller arm into a two-pieces part. Lock pin through one wall of the rudder post

Still in doubt: rigger says it's utmost importance anodize the tiller arm (aluminum). I don't see the need.
Picture attached is the two-pieces part recently rebuild, not the old one.

Looks very nice!

We made one for our last boat out of 6061 aluminum without anodizing. While it did always stay dry (hopefully yours does too), it had zero corrosion after 15k miles. We clamped like you did, but I also drilled the shaft on one side for a 5/16" set screw through the clamp bracket. Make sure to coat the shaft and tiller arm with a lanolin or Tef-gel.

Matt

[carlo de leo]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

Looks very nice!


We clamped like you did, but I also drilled the shaft on one side for a 5/16" set screw through the clamp bracket. Make sure to coat the shaft and tiller arm with a lanolin or Tef-gel.

Matt

Thanks Matt
Our 5/16 set screw is hidden behind the tiller side of the piece 😁

[carlo de leo]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

Make sure to coat the shaft and tiller arm with a lanolin or Tef-gel.

Matt

Dont you think thats gonna enable slipage?

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by carlo de leo

Dont you think thats gonna enable slipage?

I can only base this on my experience, but it's just like dielectric grease in that 99% will squeeze out and leave enough friction from the clamps that it won't be an issue.

Matt