RE: [bolger] Re: Birdwatcher: how deep a gripe? now: remote tiller

Another approach to a second tiller station, (or moving the existing tiller station) is to rig a loop of line as far forward as desired, running off existing tiller (say maybe a foot forward of pivot-point, or further forward on tiller for more mechanical advantage..), then thru blocks along hullside (or in the case of Birdwatcher. maybe just below the stbd and port edges of the centerline opening), to turning blocks forward... one long loop reasonably taut -- then you can grab that line anywhere and push-pull to control the tiller back there.  Could even put a push-pull "stick" hooked to that line (pivot at the base of the stick, below the line) to give a sort-of "tiller" -- many old-time power-launches controlled their rudder that way, even if stick was mounted against gunwale (thus push fore/aft to turn) as it's  easier than having line loop around a wheel-sprocket pulley.

Wayne Gilham

who set up his 22' open whaleboat with such a push-puller tiller-rope, especially for when powering with outboard, so I could get far away from that noisy, smelly (but VERY torquey) 1934 4hp Evinrude opposed-twin..and better balance the boat, avoiding seating way back in the stern quarters.

Pat, your two images on your bow-board letter are blank, here.

I too tried to work up a mizzen on my Birdwatchers, if only to keep the boat from screaming around its anchor in a breeze. Whew! It would clip the head off a swimmer who ventured into its semicircle. The forward boars on my Dovekie was great but I never felt the need on the BWs. Running that trolling motor in a crosswind, I wonder if heeling the boat would do any good. Not really relevant, but last time I sailed my Micro (one of two) on Lake George, I tried trolling with a downrigger, under sail. That’s pretty good!