Tiller Steering: Your Questions Answered

Tillers are commonly used on smaller sailboats because they are simple, lightweight, and cost-effective.

Unlike wheel systems, tillers don’t require complex mechanisms like cables or hydraulics to connect to the rudder, which reduces maintenance requirements.

They also take up less space in the cockpit, leaving more room for crew movement. For sailors, the direct feedback a tiller provides can make steering more intuitive and responsive compared to the relative disconnect of a wheel system.

Besides simplicity and cost, a tiller system has a few other notable advantages:

• Compact design: When not in use, the tiller can often be lifted out of the way to free up space in the cockpit.

• Enhanced control: The immediate feedback allows sailors to feel the boat's movements, helping them adjust quickly to changing conditions.

• Accessibility for beginners: Many new sailors find it easier to understand the mechanics of a tiller system before advancing to more complex steering methods.

While tillers are great for small sailboats, they come with some limitations:

• Physical demands: Steering with a tiller, especially on larger boats or in heavy winds, can be physically exhausting over long periods.

• Space constraints: The sweeping motion of the tiller can limit the usable space in the cockpit, making it less ergonomic for larger crews.

• Less practical for large boats: Due to the forces involved in steering bigger vessels, tillers become impractical for boats over a certain size, where wheel steering is more suitable.

Retrofitting a tiller system is possible, but it depends on the boat's design. Removing the wheel steering system and installing a tiller requires access to the rudder post and may involve modifying the cockpit.

The benefits of retrofitting often include simpler maintenance and a more tactile sailing experience. However, this modification may not always be cost-effective, especially for larger boats that are better suited for wheel systems.

Not all sailboats use tillers. Smaller sailboats, dinghies, and some day cruisers tend to favor tiller systems because of their simplicity and lower costs. However, as sailboats increase in size and complexity, wheel steering becomes the preferred choice.

Larger boats generate higher forces on the rudder, making tillers harder to manage. Wheel steering systems can also be integrated with autopilots, navigation systems, and other modern technologies.

The choice between tiller and wheel steering often depends on the size of the boat and the sailor's preferences:

• Tiller steering: Offers direct control, immediate feedback, and a simpler mechanism. It’s ideal for smaller boats and day sailors who prioritize a hands-on experience.

• Wheel steering: Provides mechanical advantage, making it easier to control larger boats. Wheels can also accommodate additional features, such as autopilot systems, and are generally more ergonomic for extended periods of sailing.

Some sailors prefer the sense of connection to the boat and the water that a tiller provides, while others value the comfort and convenience of a wheel.

A sheet-to-tiller system is a way of using the jib sheet and some bungee cords or surgical tubing to steer the boat without holding the tiller. The basic principle is that when the boat veers off course, the jib sheet will pull or slacken the tiller, which will correct the course. To set up this system, you need to do the following steps:

• Trim the jib sheet through its usual leeward block, then run it to a block on the windward side of the cockpit beside the tiller;

• Attach one end of a bungee cord or surgical tubing to the leeward side of the cockpit near the stern, then run it through another block near the end of the tiller and back to itself. This will create tension on the leeward side of the tiller;

• Tie one end of a short cord (about 9 or 10 feet) to the jib sheet near where it exits from its leeward block, then run it through another block near where it enters its windward block. Tie the other end of this cord to an eyelet or cleat on top of the tiller. This will create tension on the windward side of the tiller;

• Adjust the tension of both sides of the tiller until they are balanced and keep the boat on course. You may need to experiment with different lengths and elasticities of bungee cords or surgical tubing until you find what works best for your boat.

Locking the tiller on a sailboat can be useful when you need to leave the helm for a short time, such as adjusting the sails, checking the charts, or using the head. There are different ways to lock the tiller, depending on your boat and equipment. Some common methods are:

• Using a tiller lock or clamp that attaches to the tiller and the cockpit sole or coaming. This will hold the tiller in place and prevent it from moving. You can adjust the tension of the lock or clamp to allow some play or movement of the tiller if needed;

• Using a tiller tamer or brake that attaches to the tiller and a line that runs through two blocks on either side of the cockpit. This will create friction on the tiller and slow down its movement. You can adjust the tension of the line to control how much resistance the tiller has;

• Using a bungee cord or surgical tubing that attaches to the tiller and two points on either side of the cockpit, such as cleats, stanchions, or lifelines. This will create tension on the tiller and keep it centred. You can adjust the length and elasticity of the bungee cord or surgical tubing to allow some movement of the tiller if needed.

An autopilot is a device that can steer the boat without human intervention, based on a pre-set course or data from sensors. To set up an autopilot with a wheel steering system on a sailboat, you need to do the following steps:

• Choose an autopilot that is compatible with your boat size, type, and steering system. There are different types of autopilots, such as cockpit-mounted, below-deck-mounted, hydraulic, electric, or wind-powered;

• Install the autopilot components, such as the control unit, display unit, drive unit, compass sensor, wind sensor, speed sensor, and GPS receiver. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and wiring diagrams carefully;

• Calibrate and test the autopilot for accuracy and performance. You may need to adjust some settings, such as rudder gain, counter rudder, response level, and off-course alarm.