Tiller clutch rope re-route Grapevine

Published date: February 25, 2025
  • Boat Type: 712 N Lucas Drive, Grapevine, Grapevine, MacGregor 26S, Boat Type
Tiller clutch rope re-route
Tiller clutch rope re-route Tiller clutch rope re-route Tiller clutch rope re-route Tiller clutch rope re-route Tiller clutch rope re-route

I consider my Tiller Clutch to be essential for single-handing, but two things I did not like about the original rope arrangement (see yellow lines in first photo) were how they interfered with seating and that releasing them to allow the tiller to swivel upwards (to allow lazarette access) required pushing the tiller way over toward the coaming so the rope would become slack enough to unclip. This was very inconvenient if I wanted to maintain course.

With this new method, the rope path allows full use of the benches on both sides. Slipping the rope off either of the hooks allows it to go slack so one can unclip it and raise the tiller upright to allow access to the lazarette.

To cut down on friction I cut a pieces of Delrin rod in half and epoxied it to either side of the clutch (see photo). I had planned to use pulleys at the aft attachment points, but could not find exactly what I was looking for, so went for the quick, cheap option of SS eye-screws and cut an opening to allow for easy removal of the rope. There is some friction, but not enough to be a problem.

I almost screwed up with the eye-screw placement. Any further back would have caused the rope to tighten when the tiller was pushed all the way port or starboard, so be mindful of that if you want to try this mod.


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