I have an extendable tiller but last year it would no longer lock so steering the boat became virtually impossible. I have had to replace it. The original had a fine rope handle beautiful done. It was easy to handle, never slipped when coming about or adjusting direction. My dealer, Rob Bosse of Glenmore Sailboats, said he had read an article on repairing this problem but can't recall where. Does anyone know of such info. Thanks - Larry
https://www.catsailor.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/16906/1
My friend has told me the way to fix a hot stick that will no longer grab is to separate it, lightly add some epoxy, then use a pick/file to add grooves into the dried epoxy - i personally have never done this repair - i just epoxy them together and live with a 10' stick
Edited by MN3 on Jun 02, 2017 - 07:50 AM.
MN3
A local guy had that issue and the epoxy fix would not hold, so he did what MN3 did to make a long one. He also used schedule 80 PVC to make a shorter one for light air days, using a cork ball on the end. Home made, but usable. He painted it black so it didn't look redneck.
pvc tube is too flexible - i wouldn't recommend it: wobble = slop = slower
not to mention prob not UV stable
and he can paint it all he wants - it's still redneck to the core π
I have tried fiberglass paint sticks - they degrade in the UV and splinter fiberglass into my hands
I have tried alum gaff both solid and telescoping - they are too fragile and take a life ending bend by simply being dropped onto the rear beam
some people prefer the old h16 non telescoping one - sure it can get a little in the way at times but it never fails on you (like the arriba sticks do) - i used a h17 non - tele pole for a whole season - it was fine
MN3
+1 on the redneck comment about PVC. Might as well hook a yard rake handle up instead π
I tried the fiberglass paint sticks as well and I still remember the fiberglass "shards" in my hands, with and without gloves. Took me forever to get those gloves comfortable again.
Aluminum one I tried lasted exactly two sails before I bent the bejesus out of it.
I have used the old H16 non adjustable and I found it to be cumbersome as well. Kept sweeping the dog or wife off the boat when tacking.
I use an ariba hot stick and rarely (though it does happen) have a problem with it not sticking or getting stuck and can't adjust. However, I am pretty picky about it and when i hose down all the sheets and cleats, i make sure that i flush the ariba out well. I am thinking this may be why I so rarely have any issues with it releasing un-announced. Boat is mast up on the beach and salt water, but after I sail, sails, sheets and tiller come up and sheets and tiller go into the outside shower for a hose down.
i hose down all the sheets and cleats, i make sure that i flush the ariba out well
that will greatly extend the life of all your gear
treat your fabric like garments and your spars like your boat depends on it
MN3