Hobie Cat Forums

I am wanting to know what the length of the stock Hobie 16 tiller is. This is the white, fiberglass one.

Also, do you know if the H-14 has the same length tiller. If not, how long is the tiller on the H-14?

Thanks.

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Peter Nelson

H16: 84" (Boat has trapeze)

H14: 61" (Boat without trapeze)

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Hi Peter - I use the same tiller on my 14 (with trapeze) as I do on the 16.

I made my own carbon fiber extensions by getting 3 - 60" lengths of 5/8" tubing from www.carbonfibertubeshop.com, cutting one in half and joining the 30" lengths to the 60" lengths (they sell the inside joining sleeves, too). Transfer the hardware and you've got 2 - 90" tiller extensions.

The longer extensions are nice when going downwind in light air.

Matt you converted to Carbon Fiber,interesting.

hey mbounds how much did it end up costing? im interested in making my own!

_________________
http://youtube.com/optikid16030

1983 Hobie 16 Cat fever #55697
2008 Laser Radial/4.7 #190471
S.S.S.
S.Y.S.P

Did it last year - as soon as it was class legal.

From carbonfibertubeshop.com:
0.625" OD x 60" SM6230F \ Roll Wrapped Fabric tube - $39.75 each
0.490" OD x 5" SM490FER \ Roll Wrapped Uni with Fiberglass Veil - $9.64 each

You need three of the inner ferrules - 1 is cut in half to provide reinforcing at the hinge end of the tiller.

I already had the hardware (from the stock sticks) and the tiny bit of epoxy you use to glue them together, so my cost (for two CF tiller extensions) was $148.17 + shipping (shipping is relatively inexpensive, since the package is <72" long).

So, for me, each tiller was about $80.

If you have to buy the hardware, it's a bit more. The hinge is $13.29, plus the two bolts/nuts that hold it on. The foam grips are $9.99.

For the 17, I just glued two full pieces together - 120" long. Now that's a tiller extension!

So far, I haven't had one break on me (fingers crossed). The 17's has gotten a fair amount of use. The 16 / 14, not so much.

I found it interesting because you were the most vocal opposition to having it approved.
Glad you like it,I would find it hard to go back to the old heavy fiberglass ones.
Now just put one of the rubber universals on it and your set.

How much weight savings did you end up with switching to CF? Is it noticable while sailing/tacking?

sm

Because of the length the lighter carbon fiber tiller is much easier to manpuver on tacks and gybes.

[quote="mmadge"]Because of the length the lighter carbon fiber tiller is much easier to manpuver on tacks and gybes.[/quote]

Are you stating that from first hand experience? I realize the CF tube is lighter, but would like to know from folks that have used both types of extensions if they feel it's actually a worthwhile expense to switch to CF or is it just upping the bling factor.

sm

I wasn't opposed to it. What I was opposed to was that it wasn't class legal at the time. There were some racers who were flaunting their carbon tillers when they were clearly not legal.

There was also considerable ambiguity in the rule (what is "non-conductive"?). It was better that the restriction was removed.

I'll never use rubber/elastomer hinges. They break without warning - and you're out of that race for sure (at Mohave, that would mean a 2 mile sail back to the beach to get a part, replace it, then sail back out - any breakdown was a sure ticket to at least two letter scores). I don't have any problems with my good 'ole stainless steel one. I've never broken one in 40 years of racing.

Steve - the weight difference is very noticeable on the 17's tiller because it's so long. The force required to overcome the stick's inertia when tacking is significantly less. It's also stiffer than the stock stick. Not as much wobble when steering from the wire.

On the 14 and 16? Meh. It's not that much different. Like I said, I haven't put too much time on those boats since I converted (less than 20 days of sailing on the 14; only 2 days on the 16).

No I am making it up.
YES I have first hand experience,(if you look back on a post on Carbon Fiber tillers ) i was one of the initiators of the Rule being implemented. If you go Matt's route it is actually cheaper then the Hobie Fiberglass one.
There is a reason why in almost every major One Design class boats that the majority of racers are using Carbon Fiber,and it is not the bling factor.

Matt read over the post on Carbon Fiber tillers,you had a lot more concerns then the fact it was not legal,...cost,breakable,not in the fairness of the class....

what is the thickness of the fiberglass stick

_________________
http://youtube.com/optikid16030

1983 Hobie 16 Cat fever #55697
2008 Laser Radial/4.7 #190471
S.S.S.
S.Y.S.P

5/8" OD (0.625 inches)