A new tiller

The tiller that came with the boat is just a plain length of hard wood. Looking at other boats and having recently sailed in another boat, it was clear that a curved tiller made by laminated wood, provides a more attractive and user friendly solution.

After some initial research, including looking at the cost of buying one, I decided that it would more sensible to make one.

A simple former was made out of an old shelf and two blocks of wood. The tiller was made by using seven layers of alternating wood, each 5mm thick. After an initial dry clamp to check the shape, the layers were glued together and left overnight to dry.

 

Once unclamped the laminated wood could be shaped. The nominal cross-section size was 35mm sq. The width was tapered down to 25mm so it was more comfortable to hold. The most difficult part was the shape the new tiller to fit correctly in the head casting. 

 

 

The start of winter maintenance

Having decided that I will not be able to sail again this year, the decision was taken to start some maintenance. The list is long! Not serious work but more preventative really. Where possible wooden parts have been removed, which makes sanding and re-varnishing a much easier job.

 

 

The gunwales have been stripped back to the wood, after any fittings were removed. This also gives the opportunity to replace any brass/bronze bolts with stainless steel ones. I also removed the top of the centreboard case and was relieved to see all was well with the winch and centreboard.

There are couple of cracks in the transom board, I'm hoping that after sanding and re-varnishing they will not increase in size. The cracks  do not seem to go through to the other side, so I'm thinking they can't be too serious.

I've decided to use the Deks Olje system. Before using it on the actual boat, I tested it on some of the smaller parts I'd previously removed. The previous owner had been pleased with the results and so far it appears to be very successful. It does tend to darken the wood but I like how it soaks in to really protect against the elements. However, time will tell how successful it really is.

Along with the lots of smaller jobs, the larger tasks include: cleaning and repainted the rudder with Galvafroid, fitting a small battery with a solar charger and making a new curved tiller, which will clear my knees!