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Quixotic · 10-11-2013, 07:41

I am in the process of returning my Rawson 30 to a tiller from a wheel and am near the point of having to choose a tiller. My only experience with a tiller is with my sunfish and my old Tanzer 16. Since I have never been on a larger boat with a tiller I am unsure of what design aspects to look for, regarding shape, when fitting a tiller.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

robwilk37 · 10-11-2013, 09:47

so many things to consider here. im in the process of rebuilding the back half of my 40' cutter and one of the many changes ive made is converting wheel to tiller. youll want to look at winch accessibility from your new forward steering position, the possible need for some balance in the rudder to ease steering forces and the sweep range of your new tiller across the cockpit just to name a few. i like a hoop grip at the end so i dont have to reach so far when sitting on the high side, but it does take up more room. youll want it high enough so as not to smack people in the knees etc. id say fab up a temporary and sail a bit before investing the time in a work of art. also, its important to have some adjustability in the stops so you can fine tune the height over time. and maybe leave your old quadrant in place for AP or rudder stops...
my .02

**roverhi** · 10-11-2013, 10:20

Opted for a tiller with a fairly severe curve so it would be easier to step over. That does cause problems for someone sitting next to me on the windward side if the tiller is pulled over hard like weather helm at speed. The curve does allow them to put their legs over the tiller if they move aft a bit, however. Make the tiller as long as it needs to be to steer the boat but short enough so that you can move in front of it while standing in the cockpit well. Need to cut a couple inches off mine to be able to do that.

Best thing is to do as robwilk37 suggests, make up a test tiller out of a 2x4 or other scrap wood. That will give you a chance to experiment with length and see how shape will effect the sweep of the tiller in the cockpit. You can keep it aboard as an emergency tiller afterwards.