Leoma update 1/10/21

[JD-MDR]

Here is a photo of my makeshift steering. I think I know why they dont put tillers on the ketch. I had to cut the tiller i bought at the consignment store. It really is confining. I havent heard a word from Edson anout my worm steering gear. 2 months. Im really dissapointed. My new motor mounts (Vetus) should be in this week. Cant wait to go sailing. I hope I can figure out a way to use the wind vane without making a bunch of alterations

[John Stone]

That looks pretty good. Whats it look like from aft looking forward?

[JD-MDR]

I'll get another photo soon There is only about 1" space between the tiller end and the mizzen mast so I can imagine getting my fingers smashed. also you have to climb over it or get up on the lockers to change sides. It will be OK for temporarily. Not sure what willo do about the big opening where the steering wheel box was. Probably just leave it.

[John Stone]

I'll get another photo soon There is only about 1" space between the tiller end and the mizzen mast so I can imagine getting my fingers smashed. also you have to climb over it or get up on the lockers to change sides. It will be OK for temporarily. Not sure what willo do about the big opening where the steering wheel box was. Probably just leave it.

The tiller can be shorter than you think and still very effective. The tiller I built started out at 5’ as I had nothing to compare it to. CD never made a tiller CD 36. I shortened it to 4’8”. I’d like to make another probably 4’6” or 4’3”. If you have any thoughts of keeping a tiller you could bolt on a 2x4 a foot shorter and go sailing. On the other hand if you are happy with the very reliable and proven worm gear I wouldn’t waste your time.

My tiller head is hinged. I just lift it up and cross over to get to the other side.

[JD-MDR]

I love the worm gear steering. but I'm so pissed at Edson I'm tempted to tell them to send it back. It wasn't that bad. It just had a little slop but the technician told me it was fine, ever since he pointed it out to me I've wanted to fix it. any way the tiller is hinged like a regular tiller and it is about 40" long. If I was going to keep it I would have taken the flange off and got a real tiller head assembly from Spartan or Rig Rite. then I would have to do something with the big hole in the sole and where the original box was. Anyway I'm not a purist tiller person . I like my worm gear. I try to keep things original. Can't wait to try the windvane. It might work just like it is.