C&C 27 Association Forum

Guest

Mark II Tiller at Anchor

Hi, All

A simple tiller and rudder question about my Mark II.

At anchor, the tiller is a headache. It doesn't lift fully vertical, so it's always in the way of the four of us in the cockpit.  I've noticed that if I lift it to full height, and then rotate it so that it's facing the aft starboard side of the transom, it's pretty much out of the way, but I am pointing the rudder backwards as well.  I'm assuming that it's not hitting the hull in some unfortunate way, but I can't remember the clearance of the Mark II rudder with the rest of the hull when I last had it pulled.

So, is this an okay way to rotate the tiller out of the way in the cockpit?

Thanks!

Jim H
PDX
Bailiwick, a C&C 27

Guest

Re: Mark II Tiller at Anchor

I too have a Mk II and the rudder seems to have a mind of its own sometime.  I often stand the tiller straight up through the mainsheet halyards just to get it out of the way and after a leisurely day of socializing will attempt to motor out of the slip with the rudder in the reverse position.  Extremely difficut to steer the boat and hard to handle until I look down at the bottom of the tiller, notice the "teeth" of the metal part are in the back, whip it around and then all is well in the marina.  Always hoping no one noticed the fight I have with the tiller and motor away.  This has happpened more than once.  I find no ill effects on the rudder, it hits nothing, prop nor hull.  Other than the embarassment of feeling like an idiot for not remembering to turn it in the right direction, there appears to be no problem.

Guest

Re: Mark II Tiller at Anchor

Thanks, Charles.  I was hoping that it simply swung and cleared.

As for the rudder itself, we do seem to need special gifts to handle a scimitar design.  My wife doesn't like the idea of backing with serious revs in reverse and having it flop to one side... 

If anyone is radically bored, here's some pics from an overnighter we did in our C&C a few weeks ago:

http://www.photos.sailingvoyage.com/v/album_001/

We were planning a longer trip this weekend, but a leaky water pump on our Atomic 4 demanded attention (and was resolved).  Next summer, we're thinking of cruising for two weeks on the Columbia River.  Pretty exciting.

Jim H

Guest

Re: Mark II Tiller at Anchor

I would be excited if I were you about your planned cruise.  I have always wanted to sail your area, esp. the San Juans.  I understand the tides vary greatly the further north you go.  I sail the south.  Lake sailing mostly.  Lake Lanier in Georgia, and now Watts Bar in Kingston, Tenn.  I love my MKII, Hull #332.  I just wish it had a diesel.  Your boat looks really nice, esp. with everything running to the cockpit.  Below decks looks well taken care of.  Fair winds and good sailing until next time.