Broken Tiller

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Broken Tiller

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nickbd
United Kingdom
207 Posts

Posted - 28/06/2010 : 21:19:42 nickbd's nickbd's
A lovely jaunt up Lymington River turned into a bit of a nightmare on Saturday - when I lifted the tiller and it snapped...

http://sabre27.wordpress.com/2010/06/28 ... ton-river/

Before I start taking to boatyards about making a new one... has anyone had a similar problem? Or a spare?(!) I have no idea how much to expect to pay for something like this. I managed to make a spare which Im pretty happy with, but it lacks the curve, so sits very low in the cockpit - or vertical when lifted.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

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Nick B-D

1974 Fin Keel, Yanmar YSE 12
http://sabre27.wordpress.com
http://www.tinstar.co.uk
Peter OD
United Kingdom
50 Posts

Posted - 29/06/2010 : 09:47:24
Hi Nick
This would be my complete nightmare - I'm scared to even contemplate such things. Making a new one is relatively easy if you have a few tools.

1) Get a local timberyard to cut laminations (about 1/8 - 3/16) of iroko (preferably).such that when glued together you will have the right thickness and width.
2) Make up a supporting piece to give you the right curvature. Use any old wood for this.
3) Use epoxy to glue up laminations and clamp (using clamps, rubber, bungie - anything that will hold it together) - don't be too ambitious - you can just glue one at a time if needs be.
4) When up to thickness and glue is hard shape to desired shape - I generally start off with a small size angle grinder. Finish up with plane/file/surform/sandpaper - whatever.
5) Couple of coats of epoxy - couple of coats of varnish on top. This will last longer than you or I or the boat!!

I only suggest this because any workshop will charge you several arms and legs to make one - and its not a really difficult job to get your head around.

If you want any more help contact me off forum or ring if you like.

All the best

Peter (Sanda Isle at Mylor)

Mike T
67 Posts

Posted - 29/06/2010 : 12:31:42
Hi Nick,
Just quick input that may be of some use if you do not want to make one. I noticed there is a guy on EBay claiming that he will make tillers any size or shape for £60-£80.

nickbd
United Kingdom
207 Posts

Posted - 29/06/2010 : 15:53:34 nickbd's nickbd's
Thanks to both of you - that's very helpful. I'll be in touch when I run into trouble...

==============
Nick B-D

1974 Fin Keel, Yanmar YSE 12
http://sabre27.wordpress.com
http://www.tinstar.co.uk

robes
United Kingdom
4 Posts

Posted - 01/07/2010 : 13:01:17 robes's Homepage Edit Reply Reply with Quote View user's IP address Delete Reply
I had a laminated tiller that looked a bit old but OK from the outside, but reversing away from my pontoon the tiller 'exploded' as the rudder and tiller wanted to go in opposite directions.

This was about a year ago, and since I have used some outdoor decking crudely cut and shaped to imitate the curve of the original tiller. This has stood up OK, and has served well, but was meant to only be a temporary fix. So I am going to build a new one using the technique Peter describes, possibly using two contrasting woods depending on availability of wood. The only problem with the technique is possible slight un-springing of curve once removed from template, but I think this is only a problem if all laminates are glued in one go, so I think one laminate at a time is the way I'll go.

BTW I hear that a pick-axe handle for about £4 from Homebase or similar makes a good/cheep emergency tiller! I'm thinking about getting one and pre-drilling the necessary holes in the event I have another breakage...

Rob


Soloist of Leigh, Sabre 27
Southampton
http://soloistofleigh.blogspot.com

Peter OD
United Kingdom
50 Posts

Posted - 01/07/2010 : 15:48:11
Hi there - Peter again

You are quite right, the curve in a laminated piece will reduce once you unclamp it. The amount is reduced by going a piece at a time as you say but it will still happen. The trick is to overbend it a little to start with - not a lot, I would guess my tiller probably sprang back by not much more than an inch.

When using two dissimilar kinds of wood for contrast make sure that they are compatible in terms of strength. It is also good practice and remarkably decorative just to reverse every other piece in the laminate pie so that the grain is running in the opposite direction.

The pickaxe handle sounds like a good emergency idea!

Happy laminating!

Peter (Sanda Isle at Mylor)

kcalco
United Kingdom
58 Posts

Posted - 14/12/2012 : 21:49:21
Paul there is an old thread on making tillers
Hope it helps.
Ken

yerffoeg
United Kingdom
48 Posts

Posted - 16/12/2012 : 14:02:33
Adrian, the master shipwright at Maldon boatyard near where the barges park, made me one up about 6 years ago. He laminated it and made it up, amazingly, in about a week. I varnished it with Le Tonkinois and it looks great. I keep a sock on it when not in use. Back then he charged only £80.00 but probably more now.

Geoff (Cariona)

johnle
United Kingdom
33 Posts

Posted - 17/12/2012 : 19:17:47
I have found a woodworker who will make me one when he has seen the bits of the old one. I will let you know the price,

ken endean
United Kingdom
52 Posts

Posted - 21/12/2012 : 12:36:38
The tiller really does not need to be curved. Our curved tiller was delaminating in 1986 and we fitted a straight tiller made out of a piece of sapele (available from most timber merchants). As long as the handgrip is in the right place, the tiller will function correctly. In fact, a straight tiller is better because a tiller extension will lie snugly along its upper side.

johnle
United Kingdom
33 Posts

Posted - 17/01/2013 : 20:23:52
Just had a new tiller made, see trusted suppliers for details
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