Messages

Skylark -

Who did you get to fabricate the tiller head fitting?  I was looking at mine last weekend and having the same thought -- be nice to at least carry a spare.  Losing that in a blow would be a pretty hard problem to solve.

Incidentally -- and my thanks to all who posted tips on this:
a.  I've ordered what I hope will be a decent replacement tiller from H&L; will let everyone know how that turns out.
b.  In the meantime, I bought an axe handle (!!) from my local hardware store -- it fit in there like it was made for the slot; drilled the holes, and good to go.  So at least I have a workable spare, and something to use until I get the new one.

Tom & Pete

Thanks very much.  I will keep you posted on how this turns out.  Fyi, Commanderpete, I did look for old threads on this subject and didn't come up with the one you forwarded, meaning only that I haven't figured out how to work this thing properly yet.

And I am definitely going to go for a tiller and a spare.
dave

Ok, this shouldn't be too difficult, but I need help getting started.  Just bought Fair Wind, Commander Hull #301.  Was bringing her to her new home under power (thank God) in light conditions -- following seas and light following winds (really really Thank God).  Single-handing, just to make it interesting.  Well, long story short, the tiller just came off in my hand -- it had delamination near the tiller head fitting, and was rotten inside.  So it just came right off, right at the fitting.  

I am pleased and fortunate to report that in the conditions I've described, it is possible, although a bit awkward, to steer a Commander by using the tiller head fitting as, well, a tiller. And I was able to sort of jam bits of the rotten tiller into the head fitting and occasionally get some purchase, but not reliably so.  Made it home without injury to self or to Fair Wind.  

So now to the question:  thoughts and suggestions on the replacement tiller?  I am not clever enough to manufacture one myself, and if I could buy one somewhere, I would.  In fact:  two.  A spare would, I think, be a good thing!!

Any help appreciated.

Dave Bruce

Dave & Toby -

Toby, I bought the Commander you saw in Port Townsend listed at 10,000 (for less).  She's still there; the buccaneers of the marine trades community will not release her until they're confident I've spent all available funds.  Kidding aside:  she really did need new rudder and shaft, which she now has, and I've decided to get the standing rigging re-done (too stupid to do that myself, at least at this point).  God willing that's all for this season and I will get her home to Kingston in the next few weeks.  Is Decision really in Kingston?  I would love to go check her out although I myself am in Seattle at the moment, staying over for a few nights (work, not pleasure).

Hope to meet you both at some point.  
Dave

Hey Marymandara -

This is totally off topic, but I've just joined the assoc. & the forum (and just bought Commander Hull #301, Fair Wind); have noticed some of your posts and figure we live in the same area -- you are in Bellingham, I think and I am in Kingston.  But I thought (for some reason) you were sailing a Triton.  Your most recent post suggests otherwise.  
dave