Planning to Glass my repaired Tiller arm. Should I oil it first?

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by Vancefish

Do any of you happen to have one of these Spinlock Tiller extentions, the 1200 size??

I'm hunting for the dimensions of the Tiller mounting piece. Not the U-joint itself, but the part you install in the Tiller arm itself.

I've looked at many sites. Just not finding that bit of data.

Spinlock EA/1200DS Asymmetric, Diablo Universal | APS

I do, but not with the Diablo stand-up fitting as you linked to (standard joint). What information do you need?

Matt

[Vancefish]

It looks like the Diablo joint still sticks into the same fitting mounted in the Tiller Arm. Not the joint, but the part you bolt into your Tiller itself. The socket?

I am looking for the length and width of that part, that socket.

My Tillar has a long bow shape. So I am putting this socket part on top of a wooden spacer block, which will allow my Tiller extention to lay flat on the Tiller Arm when set aside, but still sailing.

The fact is, I'd prefer the metal U-joint over this Diablo thing, or the tiny thin rubber L they make. However it looks like even that plugs into the same socket.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by Vancefish

It looks like the Diablo joint still sticks into the same fitting mounted in the Tiller Arm. Not the joint, but the part you bolt into your Tiller itself. The socket?

I am looking for the length and width of that part, that socket.

My Tillar has a long bow shape. So I am putting this socket part on top of a wooden spacer block, which will allow my Tiller extention to lay flat on the Tiller Arm when set aside, but still sailing.

The fact is, I'd prefer the metal U-joint over this Diablo thing, or the tiny thin rubber L they make. However it looks like even that plugs into the same socket.

The mount is 1.875" long by .8" wide. It's the same on both sides, but the top side has a cover that extends to 2" x 1". Hope that helps.

Matt

[Vancefish]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

The mount is 1.875" long by .8" wide. It's the same on both sides, but the top side has a cover that extends to 2" x 1". Hope that helps.

Matt

Fantastic Matt! Thank you..

I didn't want to actually mount/epoxy this standoff to the Tiller arm, before verifying it will have a large enough space to install the Tiller Extention "Mount" on it.

I started thinking,.. boy it'd sure be a shame (and a major pain in the a$$) to have to cut off, and grind off, two inches of Walnut laden with epoxy resin!.. [emoji23]

[St Pete Gipsii]

Just went through a similar situation with a delaminated tiller. I cut, re-glued, epoxied, and even put a couple screws in. Internal wood rot was a bigger issue than I could have known. It snapped on me while out on the water. Now I have a new beautiful tiller and a lighter bank account. I’d opt for new!

[Vancefish]

I re-glued/epoxied each layer. Never oiling any of the wood.

Starting from the rear, leading forward I epoxied each layer toward the tip. Creating an uneven tip, while each layer formed flat and natural.

After a completely solid build. I filled all of the old previous holes, and grooves between the top two layers. Using JB Weld wood epoxy tubes, and a pencil (eraser end) to ensure a good fill.

Next I built a "Live edge" Standoff to allow my Tiller extention to lay flat when temporarily stowed (Also allowing the Arm to be tied off to the Back stay with the extension still attached). The Internal air bubbles were caused by the cold wood air, escaping as the Epoxy heated up. Creating a "bubbles after the wave" effect.

Last I added a Custom Tiller Pilot mount. Replacing the stacked plywood mount used previously.

Both additions are Black Walnut Burl/Root.

More to come..

[Vancefish]

I was trying to upload a short video of the various "flaws".

For example I DID use Fiberglass Cloth. I cut it to overlay on the bottom of the Tiller. As well as laying on separate pieces on the Extension Mount, and the Tiller Pilot block.

I filled the old Tiller extention hole with that same JB Weld wood epoxy. Mashing it into the grooves and holes, making sure to have a solid fill.

Due to the Tiller Extention Mount block getting some overlap off the initial glass wrap, then it's own fully overlayed piece. Then a piece to wrap the tip, then a second wrap from the block forward.. The "Handle" area is 2-3 layers thick. Ensuring the thinnest, most damaged area is also the most reinforced.

However that led to that area getting pretty thick (and Ugly).. So after coating the final layer of epoxy with a UV resistant Spray paint intended to bond with Plastics and never yellow. I wrapped the Handle in a nice Paracord, with a similar color.

I shouldn't have sanded, before laying a second layer of epoxy. That sanding exposed some of the glass, making it visible..

Otherwise I'm very happy with it!

[Tayana42]

Very nice looking tiller! And one strong enough to unship and use as a club to fend off marauding pirates.

Usually the weakest point of a tiller is where it attaches to the rudder shaft. Often the weakness is from water intrusion at the bolts and rot getting started unseen. I’m sure you have taken care of that by drilling oversized holes for the bolts and filling with resin then re drilling to the proper size. Nice job. Certainly your boat will be happy with the beautiful tiller.

[Vancefish]

Thanks Tayana42!

The Tiller was originally coated in a thin layer of epoxy throughout. However the middle had peeled off, exposing the wood. My assumption is thing like Winch handle hits and such.

However the base was the best part of the Tiller. Not only were the holes already oversized and epoxy coated. The sides covered by the bracket were flawless. I did not glass those areas. To not make the Arm to wide to fit.

Originally Posted by Tayana42

Very nice looking tiller! And one strong enough to unship and use as a club to fend off marauding pirates.

Usually the weakest point of a tiller is where it attaches to the rudder shaft. Often the weakness is from water intrusion at the bolts and rot getting started unseen. I’m sure you have taken care of that by drilling oversized holes for the bolts and filling with resin then re drilling to the proper size. Nice job. Certainly your boat will be happy with the beautiful tiller.