Re: [bolger] Suggestions for home-built tiller extension and universal joint?

>>
>> Any suggestions for a "better" solution?

Make the "U-Joint" out of stretched bungee which adds friction.
--
Craig O'Donnell
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_________________________________

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_________________________________
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Rob Mouradian" <r_mouradian@y...>
wrote:
> I would like to add an extension to my wooden tiller and I am
> wondering what other people have used for a connection. I have
seen
> some expensive carbon-fiber rods and universal joints, but I would
> prefer to do something cheap.
>
> I have glued a piece of thik marine rope into the end of an
aluminium tube then drilled the tiller with the right sized hole ,
put it through and tied a knot in the end . very effective.
My present one is an extendale aluminium mop handle. It iis real
flsh with a press fitting to make it removable. the other end has a
boat hook fitted to it. I sealed the inside to make it a floating
one. The swivel joint is a swivel shackle with one end flared out and
screwed to the tiller.
Cheers paul
-For the extension use an appropriate length of wood the same cross
section as your tiller end. For U joint use an appropriate size
flexible tubing held in place with a number of turns of small stuff or
hose clamps. You will want to tape the hose clamps, those ends cut.
You will also want to inspect it often.
Bob Chamberland


-- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Rob Mouradian" <r_mouradian@y...> wrote:
> I would like to add an extension to my wooden tiller and I am
> wondering what other people have used for a connection. I have seen
> some expensive carbon-fiber rods and universal joints, but I would
> prefer to do something cheap.
>
> My first attempt was to just drill a hole through the tiller and
> another "stick" then run a rope through both and put stopper knots on
> both sides. That is cheap and easy and gives plenty of flex. It is
> fine for tacking when the joint is at a sharp angle, but it seems a
> little too loose when the tiller is pointed more or less forward.
>
> Any suggestions for a "better" solution?
>
> Thanks
>
> Rob
The Sunfish replaces your rope with a loose fitting SS bolt and self-locking
nut -- adjustable play. Bush with nylon or epoxy in the holes.

For gripping, epoxy a sail hoop to the end of your stick (adds 2" without
adding non-standard parts).

Works fine. (Yes, it's a bit sloppy, maybe 1/4", when the angle is 180° but
so what? You can steer by adjusting the heel and if you heel to windward,
it raises the sail a few inches toward the fairer wind aloft.)

Roger
derbyrm@...
derbyrm.mystarband.net/default.htm

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Mouradian" <r_mouradian@...>


> My first attempt was to just drill a hole through the tiller and
> another "stick" then run a rope through both and put stopper knots on
> both sides. That is cheap and easy and gives plenty of flex. It is
> fine for tacking when the joint is at a sharp angle, but it seems a
> little too loose when the tiller is pointed more or less forward.
>
> Any suggestions for a "better" solution?
I too have been trying to figure out a good, cheap tiller extension
connection. Any tips or diagrams would be greatly appreciated!

YIBB,

David


On Tuesday, August 3, 2004, at 10:43 AM, Rob Mouradian wrote:

> I would like to add an extension to my wooden tiller and I am
> wondering what other people have used for a connection. I have seen
> some expensive carbon-fiber rods and universal joints, but I would
> prefer to do something cheap.
>
> My first attempt was to just drill a hole through the tiller and
> another "stick" then run a rope through both and put stopper knots on
> both sides. That is cheap and easy and gives plenty of flex. It is
> fine for tacking when the joint is at a sharp angle, but it seems a
> little too loose when the tiller is pointed more or less forward.
>
> Any suggestions for a "better" solution?
>
> Thanks
>
> Rob
>
>
>
>
> Bolger rules!!!
> - no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
> - stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
> - Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
> - Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930,
> Fax: (978) 282-1349
> - Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> - Open discussion:bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> Any suggestions for a "better" solution?

This worked very well for me.

I made two wooden parts. The first was the actual tiller extension
which was very light, only about 1/2" square section and 24" long. I
would have made it sturdier, except that's the stock I had on hand.
It worked fine.

The second part was a sort of squared-off U shape. The opening in
the U was a working fit for the width of the extension. The U (lying
flat on the tiller) was pivoted on a vertical bolt thru the base of
the U and down thru the tiller. The extension was pivoted on a
horizontal bolt thru the arms of the U.

Of course, you want the grain of the U to run along the arms.

Clear? Anyway, good little universal joint, and worked like a charm.
18' Rhodes Mariner.

Total cost? Stock was on hand. I may have bought the bolts. Varnish
was on-hand. Maybe $0.50.

Peter
I would like to add an extension to my wooden tiller and I am
wondering what other people have used for a connection. I have seen
some expensive carbon-fiber rods and universal joints, but I would
prefer to do something cheap.

My first attempt was to just drill a hole through the tiller and
another "stick" then run a rope through both and put stopper knots on
both sides. That is cheap and easy and gives plenty of flex. It is
fine for tacking when the joint is at a sharp angle, but it seems a
little too loose when the tiller is pointed more or less forward.

Any suggestions for a "better" solution?

Thanks

Rob
I seem to recall making a figure 8 lashing, with some turns around the
gap in between the tiller and the extension. Worked ok, but not as
refined as the commercial units. Not loose, but maybe a little
resistance to swinging around. I don't remember the exact details, but
it was cheap and easy and it worked. The extension was just a dowel of
appropriate size (not very large). This was on a very small boat.

>Rob Mouradian wrote:
>I would like to add an extension to my wooden tiller and I am
>wondering what other people have used for a connection. I have seen
>some expensive carbon-fiber rods and universal joints, but I would
>prefer to do something cheap.
>
>My first attempt was to just drill a hole through the tiller and
>another "stick" then run a rope through both and put stopper knots on
>both sides. That is cheap and easy and gives plenty of flex. It is
>fine for tacking when the joint is at a sharp angle, but it seems a
>little too loose when the tiller is pointed more or less forward.
>
>Any suggestions for a "better" solution?
>
>Thanks
>
>Rob
>
>
>
>______________________
>
I have used a golf club with the head cut off (bought from Goodwill store,
$3)
connected with a short length of surgical tubing.

Justin


----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Mouradian" <r_mouradian@...>
To: <bolger@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 2004 10:43 AM
Subject: [bolger] Suggestions for home-built tiller extension and universal
joint?


> I would like to add an extension to my wooden tiller and I am
> wondering what other people have used for a connection. I have seen
> some expensive carbon-fiber rods and universal joints, but I would
> prefer to do something cheap.
>
> My first attempt was to just drill a hole through the tiller and
> another "stick" then run a rope through both and put stopper knots on
> both sides. That is cheap and easy and gives plenty of flex. It is
> fine for tacking when the joint is at a sharp angle, but it seems a
> little too loose when the tiller is pointed more or less forward.
>
> Any suggestions for a "better" solution?
>
> Thanks
>
> Rob
>
>
>
>
> Bolger rules!!!
> - no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
> - stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
> - Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
> - Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax:
(978) 282-1349
> - Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> - Open discussion:bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>