Gordon, After using a Tiller Trimmer for over a year, I am now using the ultimate in KISS tiller minders. The Tiller Trimmer would hold course indefinitely with occasional adjustments, but seemed to wear out eventually, letting the line slip out of the track too easily. I may have been partly to blame my mounting it at a shallower angle than the instructions specified. However, reluctant to buy a replacement, I remembered reading somewhere (possibly on this forum) about a simple, single-line tiller minder. This uses a single line cleated at one transom mooring cleat, led to the forward quarter or so of the tiller where it is wrapped about four times. It's then cleated off on the opposite transom cleat. When you pull the wraps forward the friction holds them tight on the tiller and the boat holds course. Push them to the back of the tiller and you're free to steer. When they're tight, you can make minor course changes by simply twisting them the appropriate way. It works at least as well as the Till Trimmer, and costs next to nothing. I use it all the time when going below, setting sails, or just for relaxation. Good luck, Rick M-17 #633 Lynne L On 11/17/09, Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@financialwriting.net> wrote:
One of the upgrades I've been considering for my M-17 is a tiller pilot. However, I have mixed feelings about such a device as I enjoy the intimacy with the water environment a small craft allows--and I wonder if too much "automation" will detract from that. Plus, I believe in the KISS approach to boat-keeping. But on a couple of cruises this past summer I had some long stretches of motoring (six hours returning from Isle Royale) or hours-long no-tacking sailing legs where a tiller pilot would have allowed me to brew a cup of joe or make a sandwich or just enjoy the view from the boat's bow.
Having said all of that, I'm curious as to how many Monty owners have installed tiller pilots on their boats. If you have, what brand did you choose, how did the installation go and how has it worked out? Does the pilot work well? Do you use it as much as you anticipated? I would enjoy getting your input, advice or opinions. Thanks!
Gordon '83 M-17 #377 "Sapphire" Milwaukee, WI
_______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!