;DA huge win!

Some may remember that I have complained about the lack of feeling with my tiller driven push pull cable.  It may well be that when I replaced it I did it wrong.  The cable was a bit long.

Today after much thought. I disconnected the cable, and removed the tiller (during  my test sail) from the cockpit.  In it's place I built a very crude sleeve on top of the rudder and ran a 1 3/8" tiller coming over the aft cabin.  My inspiration is the Norsea 27  http://www.selfsteer.com/boats/view.php?boatTypeID=2427. 

To make a long story short, it worked like a dream, and the cockpit is completely clear.  I will probably make the final sleeve out of aluminum, once I get the final details worked out.  My crude rudder extension was made out of some scraps of wood in our house.  It can be done in a couple of hours.

I can now move the tiller with my pinky, and I didn't even have to split the backstay, as it is offset a bit.  I will post some pictures tomorrow. 

Totally elated,

Bob

Great idea Bob.  Also, this setup provides a secondary emergency steering system for those of us that have a wheel steering.

Great idea Bob
Now you can mount your "tiller pilot" right on the top of the aft cabin hatch, if the rudder is as balanced as you say, there should be very little electrical drain.

Now I have a different view of my emergency steering system.

Like I realy need another boat project.

but hey, this is what it's all about.

You are absolutely right about the tillerpilot.  Having the cockpit clear of all steering is a dream come true.  Now I have to figure out where to stow my bimini, which used to lay on the aft cabin, and is now on the forward cabin in my line of sight. 

Sailed across Lake Michigan on Monday in 25+ knot winds and waves 4-8 ft.  The new tiller worked fantastic, though required a few adjustments.  Was trying to sail dead downwind with just my main with 2 reefs in and found it very uncomfortable and slow.  Cracked off onto a broad reach and raised my working jib and really hauled a** from there on.  My GPS registered a max speed of 11.4 knots, surfing down the front of the waves, was hitting 7s and 8s & 9s regularly for hours on end.  Made two thirds of the trip in the 2nd half of time.

Boat sails much better with the jib driving it downwind with the main as a stabilizer.  Sailing across again tomorrow, a great trip.  So great to have the cockpit freed up.

My friend Llowell, who also owns a PD, came by and hung out with me in Leland, MI today.  Great to re-connect.

Bob