Full Answer
What is a tiller on a boat?
A tiller is a lever that is attached to the rudder and is used to turn your boat. Tillers are used on power and sailboats, and a tiller and rudder combination is the simplest way to steer a boat. Or, the steering system can be very complex, with multiple rudders and steering components that must be aligned to work correctly.
Is tiller steering better than a steering wheel on a boat?
But truth be told, tiller steering an outboard powered boat gets you excellent maneuverability and control—in many cases even better than that of a steering wheel—and can also help shave some cost off of a new boat’s price tag since you don’t have to pay for a steering system and all the associated pieces and parts.
What is the steering wheel on a boat?
The steering wheel itself is part of something called the helm, this will connect to the mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system that your boat utilizes. We will further jump into some of these various systems, regardless of the system used, you will want to understand the various parts.
How do you adjust the tension on a boat Tiller?
Twist the tiller to accelerate and decelerate. Most importantly, remember that the bow of the boat will go in the opposite direction of the way you push the tiller. Slide the tension adjustment handle, to make it easier or harder to push the tiller in either direction.
Where is a tiller on a boat?
It can be to the rear of the boat (astern), or it can be forward of that location and be fitted to a pipe that comes through the boat’s decking. Wherever it is located, its length and fittings (cleats, lines, and self-steering system attachments) are different from boat to boat.
What is a tiller pin used for?
Tiller pins are metal pins that allow one to detach the tiller from the head of the rudder very easily. A tiller pin also allows the tiller to hinge upward. This will enable you to store it out of the way when a boat is moored.
What else do you need to know about running a boat with tiller steering?
What else do you need to know about running a boat with tiller steering? Not much. The other aspects, such as maintenance, proper mounting, trim, and so on, are no different for a tiller steered boat than they are for any other. So don’t get stuck in a wheel-only world—tiller steered boats can be loads of fun.
What does Twist the Tiller do?
Twist the tiller to accelerate and decelerate.
What to do if your tiller isn't long enough?
If the tiller isn’t long enough, purchase and add an aftermarket tiller extension handle.
Can you use a tiller steer on an outboard boat?
Many people shy away from owning a tiller steer outboard, because we’re all used to operating vehicles with steering wheels. But truth be told, tiller steering an outboard powered boat gets you excellent maneuverability and control—in many cases even better than that of a steering wheel—and can also help shave some cost off of a new boat’s price tag since you don’t have to pay for a steering system and all the associated pieces and parts. If you’re considering getting a tiller steered outboard boat but have never owned one before, this short Boating Tips video will help. In it, we’ll cover the basics of operating a tiller steer as demonstrated on a 16’ crabbing skiff powered by a Suzuki DF25A EFI.
What Is a Tiller on a Boat?
A tiller is a lever at the boat’s stern, which is used for steering the boat. In its simplest design, it is a long piece of wood or metal connected to a shaft. A rudder is connected to the other end of this shaft under the water. This design is often found in smaller boats such as fishing boats and is especially well-suited for trolling.
Why do boats need tillers?
Tillers offer a much higher degree of control compared to the wheel. When steering the boat using a tiller, the change in direction comes much faster due to the direct shifting of the rudder via the shaft. This is especially useful when placing the boat in specific spots, as usually required in fishing.
Why use a tiller instead of a wheel?
Trolling motors are almost always used along with a tiller due to this advantage. Using a tiller instead of a wheel also affords more storage space on a boat , which is another advantage for fishing.
What happens when the rudder is turned at an angle?
Once the rudder is turned at an angle, water pressure builds on the side of the smaller angle and the stern is pushed toward the other side which has lower pressure. As the stern shifts to one direction, the bow is pushed to the opposite direction, which then allows the boat to turn left or right.
Why are tillers still used?
Due to the demand for faster boats, the wheel, with its better control and handling at higher speeds, became standard for boats. However, tillers are still useful in specific situations, and they will probably still be used for a long time because of this.
Why is it important to know your boat?
Getting to know your boat is very important since being able to respond to different situations requires knowing your way around the boat. However, there can be some confusion over certain parts of the boat. In this short article, we’ll take a look at rudder vs tiller.
Where is the rudder on a boat?
It is a flat object made of wood or metal and is placed vertically at the rear side of the boat, usually attached to the stern under the water or to the transom. On boats with motors, it is placed behind the propeller for maximum performance.
How Does Power Steering Work on a Boat?
Power steering in most boats is very reliable, but issues are bound to occur at some point. It is important that you understand the basics of this system and how your boat is steered. In essence, power steering in your boat will determine your boat’s course when the steering wheel is turned and should be regularly maintained for proper steering.
Do Boats Have Power Steering Fluid?
If you are familiar with power steering, then you probably recognize that power steering fluid is a necessity. Just as automobiles need this fluid, so do boats. While the fluid for these vehicles is quite different you will need to monitor and eventually replace your boat steering fluid routinely.
Common Issues with Power Steering in Boats
As mentioned, the power steering in most boats is very reliable and you will often not encounter issues. However, as with all things, boats can have malfunctions and you can experience issues with your power steering.
What to Do if Your Power Steering Fails
Most of the issues mentioned above will not cause your steering system to fail completely. However, they can make it challenging to use your boat and should be repaired quickly if possible. Of course, if you are out on the water when these issues show themselves, you may find yourself in a situation where your power steering fails you.
Conclusion
Now you know the ins and outs of power steering when it comes to your boat. Most of these systems use some form of hydraulics to power the steering, which does require steering fluid. You want to have these systems routinely maintained and a common issue you may notice are hydraulic leaks in your steering system.
How to install a steering shaft on a boat?
Drill the holes for the steering shaft and mounting bolt into the dash, using a 2-1/2-inch hole saw and drill bits, usually 1/4-inch unless otherwise specified. Slide the helm unit behind the dash so that the steering shaft points to the stern , or rear, of the boat. Push the helm into place under the dash so the steering shaft protrudes through the dash, and secure it in place with the screws provided in the kit and a screwdriver.
How to turn the wheel on an outboard?
Turn the wheel from side to side to ensure the steering wheel turns the outboard freely.
What to do if your outboard doesn't turn?
If the wheel doesn't turn the engine, disconnect the cable from the outboard and turn the wheel again . If the wheel turns freely, the problem lies in the outboard's swivel bracket. If the wheel doesn't turn freely, check the steering cable for kinks or turns too sharp to allow it to move freely.
How to tighten cable on outboard?
Attach the end of the cable to the motor's steering arm or steering link rod. using the steering arm or link rod's bolt and lock nut. Tighten to 20 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
How to measure steering cable length?
Measure the distance from the proposed wheel location to the side of the boat to the transom using a measuring tape. Add 6 inches to determine the length of steering cable required.
Do boat steering systems work?
A boat's steering system must work correctly and easily every time. Once the installation and testing are complete, though, you can sit with your boating guests throughout the course of your outing. Advertisement.
Can you convert a tiller to a steering wheel?
Converting from tiller to wheel allows you to move forward in the boat. When you decide to convert the tiller steering on your outboard to helm-type steering with a steering wheel, the most important part of the project is testing. A boat's steering system must work correctly and easily every time. Once the installation ...
