Tiller to Extension Joint

[Richard 700_old]

The squall on Sunday at the Nationals was certainly good for finding an weak points in the boat.

Mine was the tiller to extension joint - turns out it was only connected by screws... and that windy and wavy reach from the windward mark to the wing mark established immediately that bolts would be preferable.

Not exactly 'Tuning' I know but it's certainly not quick to reach or beat in a Force 6/7/8 without a tiller extension!

Regards

Richard Salliss
Billy Ruffian Supernova 700

[bungle_old]

the Giles boats were bolted, it must be a new boat thing being screwed

[Richard 700_old]

To change from screws to nuts you'll need:
2x M5 20mm pan head bolts
2x M5 washers
2x M5 captive nuts
all in stainless and readily available from chandlers
Tools: drill, drill bit 5mm , ring spanner for M5 and a screw driver

It takes about 3 minutes to do, total cost about £2.50 even at chandlers prices

[Barry2312_old_old]

Hmmmm Giles built boat and mine are screwed in. and I've replaced that joint for the trusty seasure hinged one in the last year or so.

Barry

[Simon 1072_old]

just got a new RS "stiff stick" - a tiller extension that is...not a side effect of a new boat!!

see http://www.ldcracingsailboats.co.uk/ind ... itemtitle= Stiff Stick 1.1m

Seems like a deal at £50 - my pal on the Blaze is delighted with his....time will tell?
This item is about 30mm longer than the origianl ally tiller x as fitted new to my boat.

Found that 698 was (still - just!) attached with 2 self tappers. Needed 2 x M4 x 45mm Long panheads to thru bolt the new item.

[Pete Bingham_old]

My tiller extension has also departed - but I managed to tape it back up so I only lost 2 minutes in the race last weekend (including holding onto the stick during the capsize).

I found these RWO screw backers very useful to keep in my toolbox (RWO part number RW-R2000). They come in packs of 10 for £2. You can screw the self tappers into them as long as you have a pair of long nose pliers to hold the backer in the tiller arm while you screw in the fixing screw.

Pete