Scott and I had some extra time this afternoon, so we went to the boat. Initially, we were only going to test fit the hatch boards to see what, if anything, needed more adjustment. Once we did that, we realized what a beautiful day it was and that it would be a waste not to get some sailing time in.
Scott’s still learning how to sail and how to rig the boat in preparation for sailing, so I assisted him with the bowline knots on the headsail clew. He removed the mainsail cover and hanked on the jib by himself.
Once out of the slip and in open water, Scott hoisted the main then the jib.
We tacked around a couple times and then “Crack….!!!” I heard the tiller break! I could tell it broke at the very back, under the metal brackets. There was enough strength in it to steer, as long as I didn’t put too much stress on it. We immediately turned back toward the marina, dropped the sails and motored back into the slip.
After unrigging everything, we removed the tiller to inspect the damages. Thankfully (?), the repair I had completed a year ago was holding… it had broken in a different place. I think I’ll go ahead and purchase a new tiller now. I’m not going to keep repairing this 38 year old tiller.
Is the fabrication of a tiller not a DIY Thing?
Yes, it’s absolutely a DIY thing. I’d love to be able to fabricate one, but unfortunately I have neither the time nor the proper woodworking equipment to do so.
Coulda sworn you had a new one.
No sir, I repaired the one that broke last June. I got another 14 months out of it until it broke again today. I ordered a new one this afternoon. So should be good to go for another 38 years or so. 😁
We had the rudder snap off on our last boat. That made for an exciting few moments. Fortunately, that little boat had an outboard so I could steer it back easily enough. I sure wouldn’t want to lose the rudder or tiller on a boat with an inboard like we have now. That could get ugly. Sounds like you had enough control to baby it back home. I had a spare tiller I could have given you until recently. It was collecting dust in the garage until a friend’s boat needed it.
Oh wow, I can’t imagine having the rudder snap off while sailing!
Yes, thankfully there was enough strength left in the tiller to take it easy and get us back in the marina.
I ordered a new tiller the next day; I’ll likely do a quick follow-up post about that soon.
I like your idea about having a spare tiller. I might repair this broken one (again) and keep it onboard as a spare, just in case.
Thanks!
Mike