How to Make a Tiller Lock

I have installed a Dinghy Tiller Lock or, Tiller Tender for some, on my sailing skiff. Game changer!!
So many times I wish I could just let go of the tiller to grab something from the front deck or just adjust the Lazy Jacks….well now I can!!
It is really simple and I got the idea from watching Roger Barnes’s videos and although I don’t think he has one just explaining how it works I believe I got the general idea and this version works really well. I can adjust the tension from hard to nothing and every setting in between!!
I tested it on low winds first and then on some gusts and it is awesome!
I wish I had done it sooner.
Together with the lazy jacks I installed earlier these two additions to the skiff’s setup are game changing!!
DANGER!!
When using the tiller lock do not tie, cleat, bite nor secure the mainsheet to any part of the boat.
If you fall overboard you will be left stranded in the water while the boat sails around the world before you can get back on board.
YOUR LIFE IS AT RISK!
USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!
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[@RogerRoving]

Lovely! I don’t need to do a video now! One thing though, I have an elastic bungee on the tightening rope, just behind the hook. This means that a gust of wind can always override the tiller lock. It never completely locks the tiller.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Roger, thanks for your feedback! And thanks for your amazing videos, you're an inspiration to many! Due to my boat's hard chines and hull geometry as soon as she heels a bit she turns to wind if not compensated by rudder. The rope still allows me to adjust from really tight to no friction and every setting in between! As for the gusts, my boat weights around 100kg with 10m2 sail, if there's any gusts and I don't have that main sheet or the tiller extension on my hand... I'm in the drink!! 😁

[@hieubb1802]

Oh my idol

[@TheBoatRambler]

Roger's a legend already! 😉

[@Helliconia54]

I've watched your videos and looked very close to your set up. Now this(plus your input) has made it clearer.Going to fir it on my TS16. Cheers

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi John. I'm glad you liked it. I can't stress enough what a relief this little mod has brought onboard!! 😁 I will try replacing the rope by some "naked" spectra, as after about two weeks and over 50nm of really intense use(system engaged 100% of the time) I'm starting to see some wear on the poly rope I used. It's like the rope is getting lots of little "hairs"... but then again it was really cheap rope from the hardware store.

[@fredgreen5294]

This could come in really useful for a single handing. Now you've got me thinking about how to do this with an aluminum tiller on my old laser 2. Thanks for posting this!

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

Nice video, well explained and useful!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnstarkie9948]

This is the Huntingford Helm Impeder, designed and described by John Huntingford several decades ago. It is well known in the Dinghy Cruising Association, and was described in our quarterly bulletin. Roger would have known exactly whence it came.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks for the Info John! It works a treat! 😉

[@AusMarineRobotics]

Thank you - couldn't find Roger's original video so appreciate your excellent presentation (and warning!).

[@PTMxCh00bX]

Now we wait for the boat to sail around the world on its own ;D Another great video!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks! I'll swim to shore meanwhile!! 😁

[@hrxy1]

very clear and concise, informative video, thanks

[@wordzenpix]

Clever, minimalist engineering, excellent. Lovely boat also.

[@TheBoatRambler]

It is indeed! Kudos to who invented this system!

[@markkurtis8637]

Best instructional video I've seen in a long time. Thanks.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you Mark! 🙂

[@Loque79942]

You are awesome man!

[@josephlai9759]

Thank you so much. I can really feel the fun you are having. Nice boat too! And you made a very important point in your caveat. Could save someone's life for that matter. Well done!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks Joseph! Let's hope it never comes to that! 😉

[@HANDIY]

thanks for sharing , I plan on making a tiller lock as well, this really seems like the optimal system.

[@TheBoatRambler]

It really is HANDY!

[@joelbrown4110]

Wow. Amazing idea. Can't wait to see you on a bigger boat.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks! It is indeed a neat idea although it's not my idea! I'll get on a bigger boat within the next 2-3 years! watch this space! 😉

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Nice video excellent camera work and editing. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you! 😉

[@WoodRanger138]

Excellent

[@yvesbouchardmoiaussi9717]

Thank you

[@GerryChopikRealtor]

Fabulous! Clean. Simple. Effective. I'm a budget single-handed sailor and a DIY guy so I'm going to give this ago on my vintage 27 ft Mirage. Looks like it could be fairly effective. Nice video and great explanation. Thanks!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you! This was a game changer for me! Hope it helps you too!😉

[@Darfur64]

Thank you for showing this tiller mechanism, I've seen articles on it and heard it described but seeing it in action really helped me. I know what I'm putting on my boat in the spring!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi! I´m glad it was helpful! Good luck next season! 😉

[@Sawer]

You got me into Dinghy Sailing, last year modified our canoe to have a sail to see if id enjoy it. Just bought a used 420, this is gonna be good summer :)

[@TheBoatRambler]

And those are the best words anyone can throw at me! 😁 As for the 420... it's a great versatile boat, you can even sail it with just the main if wind is too strong! Or you can get a crew, go on the trapeze and fly! 💪 Keep us posted, you have my email! cheers, Teo

[@geabyrne]

Thanks!

[@davewebster6945]

Very clever system Teo 😊. When you go off sailing into the beyond with your big boat, please take us with you 🤗👍🏽.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Someone was very clever some time ago since we are still using his system nowadays! I'll sail Solo but you are welcome to come aboard and stay a few day in the Caribbean! 😁

[@davewebster6945]

@@TheBoatRambler I was thinking of you taking us via youtube, it might be a touch too hot for me in the caribean 😄, I think I might actually melt 😂.

[@kenwebster5053]

That's great, I have single handed a 3 sail dinghy and with messing about with managing all that an pulling the board to clear weed etc, that would be really handy. I just didn't think it could work that well, but you did it and proved it, well done!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Ken! Yes it really works well! I believe the original design had a bit of bungee cord leading to the hook. I might try that too at some point too!

[@enriquenaranjomarquez2745]

Me parece una idea excelente tener un freno en la caña del timón, sobre todo para las maniobras de velas. Enhorabuena!!!

[@IrishChippy]

Very good Teo. Like autopilot 😊

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks! There is actually something you can rig with the mainsheet and the tiller to make an autopilot but it doesn't seem to work to well on small, light, sporty skiffs! everything happens too quick on these boats!! 😁

[@IrishChippy]

I got my sail from Hyde yesterday. Just waiting for the rope and pullies. I never sailed a boat before, and there is nobody near here to show me. That is where youtube come in handy.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Nice one!! You can learn almost anything on YT! There's is so much information and knowledge to take advantage of! It certainly changed my life!

[@davidbarrett7424]

Great job, good to hear a shout out for Roger. I saw a diagram of that arrangement a few years back and recall bungee from the hook to the cleat to give a more friction adjustment, and allow for the rope to varying lenght as the tiller moves. Happy sailing.

[@davidbarrett7424]

oops just seen rogers comment - go with what he said :-)

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks David! 😉

[@buynsell365]

That looks like it worked out great. Great job.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks 👍

[@iansymons5911]

Love it! Thank you sir. Come spring I will be doing exactly that same thing on my Tanzer! Happy sailing ⛵️!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks Ian! Good luck and keep us posted! 😉

[@AdamPearce]

This is a super useful video - thank you for the effort!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Glad it was helpful!😉

[@77goanywhere]

A very simple but effecrive system. I have a very similar system on my boat. I find it very useful when heaving to. I just lock the tiller hard over and let the sail go and I can sit just off the wind indefinitely. With the sail and tiller balanced you can hold a good course for a long stretch. (I do clead the sheet sometimes, but tether myself to the boat when I do, and ALWAYS wear a PFD).

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Steve! My GIS is so light that everything happens in a heartbeat! Now I can actually relax a bit while doing simple tasks! Next to my Lazy Jacks this thing is the best addition to my setup!

[@77goanywhere]

@@TheBoatRambler My boat is a bit heavier, and has 300kg of water ballast, so the dynamics are much different. A tiller lock really comes into its own on a small cruiser.

[@jtf2413]

Really enjoying your videos

[@TheBoatRambler]

Awesome, thank you! 😁

[@robear60]

Thanks

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you for your support! 😉

[@eddrm4685]

This looks like it works great and I love how simple it is. I am going try it on my Hobie One 12 and sunfish this spring. As always awesome video with very useful info. Heading over to the Roger Barnes channel to watch a few videos.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks! It does really work great. and you can "dial down" to zero friction even without disengaging the hook! I'm really happy about it!

[@crippledkitty863]

I hope you get to sail away some day. Maybe we shall eventually see you on the west coast of Canada.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you !...but can we meet half way?? let's say near the Caribbean ? ☀🌴😅

[@simondixon8023]

Hi- just installed one of these in my Ilur. Works well - thanks for the video.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Great to hear Simon! 🙂

[@beyondthis7]

You're awesome Teo... you might consider a way to attach an "overboard release" that would disable the rudder restriction if you go overboard. A quick release of sorts.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hey Phil! Where I sail I don't think I will drown before I reach shore and my boat will end up just a handful of miles away in the worst case scenario. Still I can always tie a slipping knot on the main sheet to hold it in position and tie the end of it to my wrist. If I fall overboard at least the main sheet will be released. I do have a floating rope tied close to the transom but I haven't felt the need to drag it behind the boat except when I did the capsize tests. 😉

[@msf60khz]

I think the idea of the Huntingford Helm Impeder, which I have myself, is that the friction is adjustable, so you can move the tiller in an emergency, or just make it slightly cntrolled as wished.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi! The system shown in this video IS adjustable and the tiller can be moved if necessary. Depending on how hard you pull it can go from almost no friction to really hard to move. The elastic is a good idea too and I might try it at some point. 😉

[@The1stGurehaundo]

Excellent!

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you Galgo! 😉

[@chuckrobinson599]

Well I wish you had been around when I bought my MacGregor. The entire rigging was dismantled. You don't know the frustration I suffered, trying to figure out how to get it right. Finally I figured out, that right, is really a personal thing. That you set up a lot of it to suit you, make it so you can sail it. I'm glad I won't have to see that stressed out face you make, handling the tiller anymore. Hurry up and change that clam cleat too. You are a perfectionist, and it will drive you crazy. This has been a long enough comment, but when you get your big boat, and sail the world, you'd better come to the eastern US, so I can meet you, and buy you supper.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Chuck! The struggle to do even small things on my boat because I couldn't let go of the rudder really drove me bonkers! A couple of times I actually tied it with a piece of string!!! Had to find a way and... wow! Does this work or what!?! 😁 I will need 2-3 years to get a boat and fix/sail her before I can cross the Atlantic, but I will get there! 😉

[@chuckrobinson599]

@@TheBoatRambler I demand an audience when you do get here. I love your content.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you for all your support Chuck! I'm sure I can figure out the currents and best time to get there from the Caribbean!! Or for you to go to some nice warm island!!! 😁

[@jameskelly5973]

Yep….great idea…I saw it on another KZbin video and rigged my GIS today…..

[@maesy6730]

What you really need is a Portuguesa beauty on the tiller.😁

[@TheBoatRambler]

HAH! might try to get one someday... 😁

[@maesy6730]

@@TheBoatRambler 😎

[@thomasluypaert1905]

There's a video where Roger explain how it works (but not dedicated to). If I can remember properly, the hook is tied to a sandow on wich he can adjust the tension.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thanks Thomas! must have missed that one! I adjust the tension by pulling it tighter, but to be honest I think a small amount of tension is enough for Forager.

[@markkurtis8637]

Hi, again. This season I had my tiller lock set up on the underside of my tiller and had the short piece of elastic as Roger suggested. I repeatedly ran into a problem where it would jam, when completely released but not disconnected. I kept the length of the adjusting line short enough that the clip would stop about 1 inch shy of the eye bolt. It seems the loop in the cross line would twist. Suggestions?

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Mark! I don't use the elastic setup, it's double braided poly line for the adjustable line and I now use spectra with no outing for the cross line. Also I always leave some some amount of tension on it. What is the dimeter on the SS eye on your setup? Being bigger and having some tension (almost zero) should prevent it from twisting... Also with the elastic that hook probably travels a lot further aft when fully released, making it prone to twist. Just my 2c....

[@VadiodaXT]

Bolas... isso ficou mesmo bom :) Vou pensar em copiar esse sistema e trocá-lo pelos elásticos que tenho no meu leme, que não funciona lá muito bem... Obrigada pela partilha Bons ventos :)

[@TheBoatRambler]

Obrigado Amigo! É um descanço!! já o devia ter instalado há muito mais tempo! 😁

[@eugeniogerth7106]

Muito bom!!! @velejandoporai

[@TheBoatRambler]

Thank you Eugenio!

[@gems34]

Also a big fan of Rogers channel, kindred spirits :) If you dont know him already you will also love Rael Dobkins, Channel kzbin.info/door/d9ghqB2aRAO6aL9ZAOHKMA Balkin Shipyards :) He lives in Bulgaria, but used to live in South Africa, he is a proa builder but I'm sure he has Portuguese roots somewhere :)

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Tusk! Yes I have seen a few of Rael's videos. I like his "Let's try it" attitude! 😉