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 Post subject: Hiking Stick hold-down?
PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 8:01 am 
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Joined: Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:08 am
Posts: 75
Location: Houston, TX
I'm doing a few winter upgrades and one thing I'd like to improve on is the method by which the hiking stick is stowed when not in use. I know, I know, there is the simple solution of letting it drag through the water but for some reason I like keeping all my hardware on the boat with me (weird, I know). For last season I did the simplest thing I could think of - attached velcro to both sides of the tiller cross bar as well as the hiking stick. It worked well most of the time but because the hiking stick is so long (even when fully retracted) and sticks out past the hull waves could easily come up and knock it off the velcro.

Image


Here is my idea for this season - thinking about using the following spring clips:

https://www.saltydogmarine.com/product_ ... 8a022bda1f

Take 2 and attach them back-to-back so that I essentially have a piece of hardware with a spring clip on either end, build 2 (4 total spring clips), then simply clip one onto each side of the tiller cross bar so that I could clip the hiking stick onto either side. I'm thinking this would also bring the hiking stick to a little higher position when stowed where it hopefully wouldn't get hit as often by passing waves. Only problem I see right now is getting the diameters for both the hiking stick and tiller cross bar matched up to the correct spring clips.

So, my question to y'all is - what do you use to hold your hiking stick when not in use? Photos are appreciated.


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PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 1:17 pm 
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Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2004 4:46 pm
Posts: 169
Location: Bakersfield, CA
I see that you have Magnum wings which I do as well. I use bungee ball stretch cords http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-ball-stretch-cord-set-47302.html to attach my tiller to the rear magnum wing. On setup of the boat I simply install the ball cords (one on each side) and when I need to stow the tiller whether it be on the beach or underway, I simply adjust the tiller length so that it will be long enough to go slightly beyond where the ball cords are attached and then grab the bungee and slip the tiller underneath without undoing the ball cords.

Pro's - 1) It's a fairly positive hold and while underway in light conditions, will keep the boat on heading for you for quite a while with minor adjustments as needed. 2) Easy to install and has no sharp edges that can ruin your day.

Con's - 1) Takes a bit more effort to stow and un-stow the tiller as opposed to clips

Tom
1988 Hobie 18M (Windraider)


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 12:39 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:08 am
Posts: 75
Location: Houston, TX
Tom, Thanks for the idea, I will definitely be trying that this season.
While I like the thought of an "auto-helm" type feature for light days right now I was more concentrating on a stowage configuration that won't affect the tillers if I decided to sick back and steer just from the tiller crossbar.

Any other ideas out there?


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