Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the TillerClutch™?
The TillerClutch is a highly-refined sailboat steering accessory that
lets you “lash” your tiller with the simple click of a lever for
moments of hands-free steering. Conveniently positioned beneath the
tiller, the lever operates a specialized rope clutch that engages a
small control line attached aft across the cockpit. With one hand on
the tiller, you work the lever to grip or release the control line.
This action securely holds or fully releases your tiller for quick
steering corrections or for extended periods. Patent pending, the
TillerClutch is compact, solid, and highly refined, making it unlike
anything else on the market.
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How does it work?
The
TillerClutch puts a small control lever right where you need it—on the
underside of your tiller handle- within easy reach of your steering
hand. A touch downward on the lever instantly engages the control line
to hold your tiller still. You can gently squeeze the lever upward to
momentarily free the control line and make course corrections.
Releasing the lever returns it to the engaged position. A firmer
squeeze toggles the TillerClutch off for continual free steering. The
action is intuitive and convenient—always at the ready with just a
click.
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When would I use it?
- While tacking
- While at the dock or at anchor, to prevent “rudder knock”
- While reefing, changing or dousing your sail
- While motoring
- While changing hands at the helm
- When heaving to
- When launching or landing
- When you don't have time to engage and adjust your tiller pilot
- When the steering gets tough, to help you hold the tiller
- When you need a momentary break from holding the tiller
Use with caution in rough conditions. Hand steering should always take priority
when necessary.
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Will it fit my boat? Tiller inverted for mounting
 The
TillerClutch is designed to fit most tiller-steered boats, from
dinghies to smaller cruisers. Two screws mount it solidly to your
square or round wooden tiller, or even to an aluminum one. The
concave mounting surface conforms to the shape of the tiller. If
you
ever remove it, the screw holes will be hidden on the underside of
the
tiller. It can also be used for steadying auxiliary outboards. The
TillerClutch is not intended for wheel-steered boats, and is not
recommended for super light small racing boats such as the Laser®.
Please e-mail us with any questions.
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Won't I miss the drag adjustment of my old "tamer" knob?
Probably
not. What you have is a passive friction break that applies an
adjustable drag setting to the tiller. Many of us have used such
steering aids on our boats for years. The idea is that we apply enough
drag to the tiller to keep it from swinging wild if we let it go for a
moment. This is good for light winds, but in heavier conditions, we
must keep tightening the knob to increase the drag and prevent the
tiller from slipping. When steering, we end up having to shove on the
tiller to overcome the extra drag. This continuous drag also masks the
feel of the rudder, which is important sailing feedback. It is
distracting to frequently unscrew and re-tighten the knob so we often
just set it mid way and sail with a stiff and grinding tiller.
Instead, what if you could instantly switch between the max
drag setting and free natural steering in any winds, and without having
to adjust anything? The TillerClutch puts a small lever in your hand
when you grab the helm to do just that. Click it ON to firmly hold the
tiller, click it OFF to steer. No knob needed.
Please e-mail us with any questions or comments.
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Can I mount it at the middle of my tiller?
No,
this is strongly discouraged. The TillerClutch is a clutch and not a
friction break. It is designed to hold the tiller firmly from its grip
position, and is intended to be actively used while sailing. To
function effectively, you will need it near the end where you hold the
tiller. This will give the TillerClutch the leverage it needs for
holding power and will enable you to click it on and off while steering
without shifting your hold on the tiller. See photos page.
If mounted much further aft, the control line could wear excessively, and your response time would be diminished.
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What is it made of -for strength and corrosion resistance? 
The
TillerClutch is made of solid hard-anodized, sealed aluminum alloy with
stainless steel internal parts. Inside, stainless steel and
aluminum parts are insulated to prevent galvanic corrosion. The
TillerClutch is built to withstand harsh marine conditions in every way
imaginable. Testing and sea trials were exhaustive and thorough, giving
us the confidence to offer a lifetime warranty. |
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Can it automatically steer my boat?
No.
The TillerClutch should not be confused with any type of automated
tiller controller. The TillerClutch is a mechanical device
intended to hold the tiller in any desired position for momentary
relief from steering. Some boats can remain on course (usually
close-hauled) with the tiller fixed for an extended time, while others
for only a short period. It is the sailor’s responsibility to
decide when steering corrections are needed. Care must always be taken
when leaving the tiller unattended while underway.
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Will the control line be in my way? 
No.
The TillerClutch must be mounted forward on the underside of the tiller
to work effectively, but its control line can be easily routed clear of
the cockpit seating area. A pair of inexpensive padeyes or fairleads on
the transom can be used to route the line aft out of your way and then
back to the combings to be cleated off at a convenient location. See
the "Positioning" section of the Owner’s Guide for more information. |
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What if I already use a tiller pilot?
The
TillerClutch nicely complements an electronic tiller controller. Tiller
pilots typically can’t react to boat wakes, wind shifts, channel bends,
etc. The TillerClutch will stand by without adding any friction
to the tiller for the tiller pilot to overcome. When a quick course
change is needed, just detach your tiller pilot, click the TillerClutch
on and trim to your new course. Then you’ll have time to readjust
your tiller pilot. Just remember to turn the TillerClutch off while the
tiller pilot is operating. Also, to save battery power or for peace and
quiet, on long close-hauled tacks, you can often use the TillerClutch
and save the tiller pilot for other times.
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Does it have a good warranty?
Yes. The TillerClutch comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Also, we accept returns for a full refund within 60 days of purchase with a copy of your receipt. Will it slip in heavy weather?
The TillerClutch is designed to hold fast on most sailboats in above average conditions. However, its
clutch mechanism has a safety slip factor to help protect the rudder
from excessive loading in severe situations, such as the jarring impact from a
large broadside wave. This slip factor also allows the
skipper to overpower the TillerClutch and make a steering correction in
an emergency
situation. Forcing the tiller with the TillerClutch engaged will not
harm it,
but it can cause excessive wear to the control line, so use the release
lever
whenever possible. If sailing a stout boat with a strong rudder in
severe conditions, the safety slippage may be temporarily reduced by
simply loosening the windward control line and looping it
once over the top of the tiller in front of the TillerClutch.
This extra bend in the line will dramatically increase friction and
holding power. But use caution when doing so, because the
rudder could be subjected to greater loads, and it will be more
difficult to force the tiller without releasing the clutch. For
most situations though, this practice is unnecessary and unneeded.
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Español and other languages
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Send inquiries to: info@WaveFrontMarine.com
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or write to: WaveFront, Inc., PO Box 1632, Pittsboro, NC 27312
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Copyright 2010-2011 WaveFront, Inc. All rights reserved.
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