Overhaul... a tiller by any other name.

[hp18carr]

I'm looking to replace my old tiller at some point, but is there one that works best with the Chrysler 26. IdaSailor suggest type A.C. or E. from their tiller list for the Chrysler 26. I do intend to use a tiller tamer of some type, but in the end does it all come down to personal preference.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora (for now)

[EmergencyExit]

I bought the "B", and find that when 2 of us are seated side by side in the cockpit I tend to hit my partner with it unless either I stand or they scoot way up against the cabin. May consider the high rise one.


Also the butt end of the tiller had to be shimmed with a couple pieces on each side to fit snugly in the bracket. No big deal ther tho.

[clair hofmann]

I solved that "clearing the cockpit problem" by hinging my tiller. I can sit far aft in the cockpit and when its time to come about I just throw the hinged part to the other side and move across in front of the tiller. I'm the only one that has to move. I have it set up so I can drop a pin in it and and return it to one piece, full length. I did this on my 26 and both Venture 22's. It works great.
Clair

[Alanhod]

Clair, this sounds like a real cool set up. I really like the idea about getting up and moving to the other side without moving people about in the cockpit. Do you have photos of this hinge and pin setup?

I'd be concerned about weakening the tiller at the midway hinge point. This pin you put in to lock it in place, I'm having a problem imagining how that would work.

Thanks
Alan

[clair hofmann]

Alan,
I used a piece of 1/4"x1" aluminum for the fixed part of the hinge. If I remember it was 4 or 5" long. I laid the tiller on its side and milled a 1/4" slot in the center at the point I wanted the hinge. I then inserted the aluminum. Then I drilled 2, 1/4" through holes in what would be the stationary part anbd 2 holes in what will be the hinged part. These holes get counterbored on the bottom to recess the bolts and nuts. Remove the aluminum and cut the tiller at the center of the slot. Reinstall the aluminumin the fixed section and bolt it tightly. i used rouhnd head ss bolts with nylock nuts and washers. Radius the aft end of the movable section enough so the corners won't hit the fixed part. Slightly file the inside of the slot so it moves freely on the aluminum. Too much and it will be sloppy. Slide the hinged part onto the aluminim put a bolt and nut in the aft hole but don't tighten all the way. Reinstall on the boat. To lock it back to straight drop a pin in the forward hole. I'll be in NC the beginning of Feb.. I'll take some pics and try to get them posted
Clair

[CaptainScott]

Sounds like a pretty neat modification Clair! I too am looking forward to the pictures!!!

Scott

[John K]

The previous owner of my boat welded a length of steel pipe in, extending the tiller bracket to about 18" above the cockpit floor. It appears that this will improve mobility in the cockpit, but I haven't splashed the boat yet, so we shall see.

[tgentry]

Copacetic's tiller hinges right at the post. It can go full vertical to get it out of the way when we're stopped, but it also works fine at other angles, such as standing or to quickly change sides.

Is our C-26 unique? I had assumed this was factory.

[lecker68]

Tom my 26 is the same way I have not been in a 22 but I would imagine it should be the same as the rudder shaft is vertical not inclined.

[EmergencyExit]

EE's hinges at the post as well. I just am lazy about moving from my comfy sitting position sometimes and don't want to either stand or raise the tiller when I pull on it..even if I lift it enough to clear my own knees the end of the long straight tiller tends to poke anyone sitting to my side.

The high rise model might have prevented that, not sure.

[lecker68]

Mine came with a wheel and orig. tiller is under the setee you turn the wheel it doesn't move just rotates.