Tiller blocker

Return to Design 4 Sea - Applications of Technora Elastic Rope

Videos & photos taken during Matxitxako - Horn sailing

Problem to solve

Hold the rudder when heaving-to. The rudder will get strong shocks in breaking waves and/or when the boat goes backwards. Steering wheels have blockers, but this is no good to damp the efforts. The system presented here holds the tiller in position and damps the shocks. It is easy to install, adjust and remove.

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Tiller holder.

This video shows the tiller holder at work. Heaving-to under reefed mainsail (4 reefs) in mid-Atlantic, south of Azores Islands, wind force 7-8 NE (front wind), significant waves ~ 3m, long trains of 4.5m waves and occasional breakers. Drift (W) ~1.5 knt, VMG (N) ~1 knt.

Note. Tiller blocker also useful to circle in water while preparing anchoring or mooring (single-handed sailors cannot steer while preparing the maneuver).

Note. The blocker is presented for tiller but can be adapted to steering wheels.

Materials and Construction

The blocker is composed of 2 lines, one on each side. Each line has:

1) A strong elastic section to damp the shocks (loop of 6mm technora-polyester elastic rope, stainless steel rings 8mm x 40mm and 70mm).

2) A "V" rope (10mm polyester) to divide the efforts between extremities (with a closed angle.force ~divided by 2).

3) One extremity fixed on a strong point (here, the openings in the cockpit).

4) One extremity on a winch to adjust tiller angle.

Mounting

To heave-to with a bow sea anchor, use both lines. Heaving-to under sails or laying-a-beam, one line is sufficient.

Install the elastic rope on the tiller, (see photos), pass the rope in the ring, tie one extremity and adjust tiller angle with a winch.

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