length of tiller handle?

[jb]

 still trying to tune the CP-16, one item that I'm not particularly satisfied with is the the length of the tilller handle. I prefer to be closer to the cuddy, forward part of the cockpit, vs centrally located while sailing.

I find it a little dryer, access to items are more convenient, the weight distribution/centrally located may be better and probably most important, my previous two boats had this ability and I guess I'm slow to adapt to new things.

My question is has anybody tried putting a longer handle on the tiller, if so what length and the pros and cons.

thanks,

j

[Craig]

The biggest problem would be loss of cockpit space and perhaps limitation of tiller motion( a longer tiller will sweep a larger arc forward). Better solution would be a tiller extension which would allow you to steer from just about anyplace in the cockpit.

[nies]

I have a tiller extension purchased from West Marine that the tube extends to various lengths, you have to drill a hole in the end of your tiller to insert the end of extension into, works great................nies

[skip1930]

This tiller minder can be used as an extension of the tiller on my CP-19. This set-up can be placed in a pocket and locked in the cockpit combing.
Adjustable for either side of the boat allowing for tac. The bar snaps into a socket drilled and placed under the tiller.

For an enlarged view, hold control key down while tapping the + key. Hold and Tap - key to shrink back down.

" Would the Ida Rudder make a noticeable difference with tiller control?? " Yes.

Purchased, both the adjustable 'bar', the socket under the tiller, and the pockets on the side of the combing.  Brand is ForeSpar.
I picked these up from my local West Marine store. Expensive but I like it.

If I was to do it again I'd consider moving the pockets astern of the cockpit side cushions. A minor mistake.

The teak organizer on the fuel tank cover came from West marine as well. Used these 1/4-20 fasteners that have a wood screw on one end and a machine screw on the other end from Ace Hardware. Once the wood screws are in the backside of the organizer, then just a drop of paint on the machine screw side will leave a mark on the cover, marking where to drill for the fasteners. Then finish off with a flat washers and a acorn nuts.

Sailing back from Marionette-Menominee everything was dogged down and I fell asleep, sailing past Sturgeon Bay and awaking near Peshtigo Reef. I had to come about and sail back to Sturgeon Bay. About 4 miles. I would not recommend it.

skip.

[jb]

Craig, you make a valid point about the  " limitation of tiller motion".

I've tried the tiller extension but, I think the required length of the extension and the angle to the tiller, combined with the heavy weather helm does not produce satisfactory result...for me!

Maybe this is just the " nature of the beast" and I will have to adjust accordingly. Would the Ida Rudder make a noticeable difference with tiller control??

thanks for your suggestions.

j

[jb]

Skip,

the tiller minder sounds like a possibility! Is that something you created of purchased?  Image is a little small for my eyes, can you send me a larger pic??

j