Remote Steering / Tiller
There are many different approaches to remote steering and tiller arrangements that have been successfully used on the Windrider 17. This is my version.
(scroll down for more pictures - click the photos for large versions)
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My first attempt was taking two lines from the rudder, running them through blocks at the front of the cockpit (aft aka tube) and then to a center connection point. This didn't work because the line would move too easily relative to the aka tube and it was difficult to control. It needed a way to constrain the line to only move along a parallel path with the aka tube.
So I was on to prototype #2.
I found some woodworking table aluminum track in the garage from a previous project.
I noticed that one of my old nylon sail slides fit the track pretty well, but was a bit too wide. I put the slide on the belt sander and narrowed it up so that it fit into the track.
It seemed to slide back and forth pretty well.
I didn't want to mount the aluminum track right on the aka tube just yet, as with most of my projects it was likely to be a dismal failure and I would end up with a bunch of holes in the tube (I'm learning!). Instead, I mounted al lmy "stuff" to a long piece of PVC that would snap onto the tube like all of our small "stuff" holders.
I mounted the track to the PVC using some really thin nuts on the back. I dabbed them with epoxy since I couldn't use any lockwashers.
To raise the PVC away from the aka tube and keep the nuts from scratching, I used some thick "gripper" pads from the big box store. This both kept the nuts off of the aka and also kept the PVC tube from slipping around at all.
I used the same 2:1 connection that others have used at the rudder to allow a good amount of travel at the slider. Right now it slides about 12-14 inches in the track stop-to-stop.
So I had planned to take everything off when it was working OK and mount the aluminum track right to the aka tube itself, allowing the slider to slide out one end for removal.
However, after using the PVC arrangement, I was pleasantly surprised at how little (none!) it moved around. I will just stick with the PVC for now.
I didn't put the cheek blocks on the rudder tabs like some others because I wanted to be able to remove the whole rig easily and not have it back there if I didn't need it. There are mini snap shackles at each connection point.
Here is the setup with a tiller.
This isn't the final tiller, it is just a test dowel.
I used an eyebolt and bent the ring part to the side so the tiller can be spiralled into the sail slide, or removed when needed.
It took a little trial and error trimming the PVC so it was tight enough to hold on snugly, but able to be removed without a crowbar.
The whole setup makes a nice stowable package when removed!
The line is that very low-stretch braid - I hope I don't need to keep adjusting things.
I haven't been out on the water with it yet, so real-world testing is still to come - it works VERY smoothly from just about any angle on the trailer, though. A little sail track lube helped a lot.
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