Laukahi wrote:
Nohuhu, Thanks for the post and the idea. I followed in your footsteps and bought the stick and the eye bolts. It seems like it puts a great deal of pressure on the tiller handle when you turn port. How is it working for you?
A'ole pilikia, Lau. It depends on which course and position you're using. But I think it mostly comes down to a matter of pushing versus pulling. Pulling lifts the handle and creates less resistance. Pushing with the stick forces the tiller down and adds some friction. Upwind, we usually push to access more wind and pull to ease off or cross the wind (tack). Downwind, it's the reverse.
For example, on a starboard tack, you're hiking on the starboard Haka and pushing the tiller to port when you want to load the sail. This temporarily stresses the rudder as well and probably adds the most tiller resistance you will feel.
On a port tack you're actually closer to the tiller and the resistance may feel different. You can also easily steer using your hand or foot from this position.
So there are 2 things that I would generally recommend:
Check to see that your steering lines are smooth and calibrated,
Try to use a low push-pull angle on the stick as you steer.
This discussion kinda belongs in the Haka thread.