On 20-Sep-14 12:46 PM, George R. Iemmolo wrote: Hi George, Been there: ... done that! I faced the same problems that you discuss sailing our M-15 #400 LEPPO solo. With the original length M-15 tiller, and a Forespar tiller extension, plugged into a fitting at the forward end of the tiller, the geometry didn't work as it should. Sitting as far forward in the cockpit as I could, the Forespar tiller extension now had about a 120 degree angle between the tiller location and my hand. Not good for sudden corrections when hit by a gust. What I wanted was a 90 degree angle on the tiller extension between the tiller and my hand. To achieve that, I built a new, longer tiller so that I could sit comfortably as far forward in the cockpit as I could. The longer tiller had other advantages as well. I built a new lower hatch board that held my 7 X 50 binoculars; my small Grundig radio; my marine VHF radio; and a can of beer, which meant that all these items were within easy reach of the helmsman while sailing. Inside the companionway and to port I also had a small eyeglass shelf so that I could easily reach my regular eyeglasses or swap them for my sun glasses. More goodness! Then, with the Forespar extension in place in the tiller, I had a 90 degree push / pull operation between the tiller and my hand. Goodness! However, .... There were times when I had the grandchildren on board, where the original length tiller would have been preferable to my new "cockpit sweeper" long tiller. My suggestion is: Dream up some means of elongating the regular length tiller with some sort of plug-in extension. My thinking goes in the direction of molding some fiberglass around the end of the existing tiller to form a tight fitting sleeve. Then you could add the tiller length extension to the sleeve, and would be a rigid entity that you could lean on if need be; and it would also be instantly removable. Another idea would be a piece of brass or copper tube, open on the bottom, that would fit over the end of the tiller. The tubing would take care of the side loads on the tiller. I could envision it being held in place by a long (6"?) strap on either side where you cut a slot in the bottom end of the strap to fit over a round headed screw shank. installed on either side of the tiller. Lift it up and it is removable; in position it would be rigid (at least that is the intent and goal) - and it would take push / pull tiller loads. If it is too loose, wrap a piece of bungee cord around the joint to hold it in place. Then you chave the best of both worlds: the short tiller for crowded cockpits, and the long tiller for solo sailing. In our M-15 #400 I carried my Fortress anchor plus chain and rode in the forward compartment to help trim the boat. I also stowed my 2 X 1 gallon water bottles as far forward as I could. I also rearranged things in the sail lockers to move the heavy items as far forward as I could. That helped the trim too. Connie ex M-15 #400 LEPPO
Wrinkle Boat Mates
I normally sail single-handed but from time to time have someone along. I have found that even alone and sitting as far forward as I can weight distribution seems to tend to be too far aft.
This is leading me to consider adding weight forward. I was thinking a cinder block (40 lbs) in the forward compartment under the V berth. Would I have to secure the weight? In addition I would like to extend the Tiller so that I can sit comfortable as far forward as possible against the cabin wall. I have a Tiller extender but it is articulated at the attachment joint and I would like to have an extension that is a removable solid extension of the tiller. Has any one constructed one or know of anything along that line.
All comments welcomed.
George
Merry Helen II
96 M15 #602