Tiller crossbar lenght?

Hi, when I bought my H16 I noticed that the tiller connections in the crossbar had no adjustability (the stock spring type).

I want to upgrade to the H20 system but first need to know the correct/stock lenght of the tiller crossbar without terminals (just the tube).

I dont know if the prev owner has cut this crossbar for any reason...

anyone?

The stock tiller connectors should be adjustable. Loosen the bolt holding the connector to the crossbar, and the adjuster will slide in and out. If it's old, it may be frozen and require lubrication.

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I was told before that the stock set up was adjustable but my crossbar came with both connectors the same...no adjustability.

In other words the prev owner had installed at both ends of the crossbar the unadjustable terminals. (both the same)

Instead of one fixed and one with the adjustable bolt to slide in and out, he had both fixed!

So I wonder...what is the stock crossbar tube lenght?

Stock tiller crossbar tube used to be 76" with adjusters on both ends. Max extension was 2" per side, so 80" connector to connector?

The M20 style uses 75 3/4" tube.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Im a bit confused....

The aluminum tube only, should measure 76"?

This tube should be fitted with the adjustable connectors at both ends instead of one fixed and one adjustable (bolt and nut slidder)??

thanks!

Any pics of correct connectors needed for the stock setup?

The stock adjuster is shown in an illustration in the parts catalog. Page 49 upper right corner.

The current connectors are M20 style on a 16. The older ones used 2 adjustable ends since the early 80's.

You can cut the tube to 76" and add two adjusters # 60400011.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Which system would you recommend:

The two adjustable connectors (80's style) or the M20 quick disconnect system?

What is the cost difference from one to the other?

I prefer the M20 connections. You can easily remove the tiller crossbar. It is a tighter connection (less slop).

The cost is quite different.

60400011 Old Stock (2) adjusters $32.00

1953 (M20 style kit) $112.50

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt!

If I go with the M20 connectors...

I will still use the stock tiller crossbar tube right?
Just cut it to 75 3/4"... instead of the 76" lenght used for the 80's style connectors.

Just follow the instructions on the kit.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Guess my luck...

Something at the back of my mind told me the crossbar had been cut....just got home measured it at 74 1/2 inches...

More fabrication to come.... finding a piece of alum pipe that has the ID that matches the OD of the crossbar....cut the crossbar in half and extend with the new piece in the middle welded.

Or find an alum pipe that has the same ID of the crossbar and is at least 76 inches long... heavy wall

Last option....new crossbar

74 1/2"? Sounds like a Hobie 14 tiller crossbar maybe? And this works on your boat? Perhaps the tiller arms have been bent to make up the difference?

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I bought the cat as a project and have been fixing it extensively for the past year....I have never sailied it so I cant say if this crossbar worked or not.

The tiller arm tubes are straight,,, the only "bend" is in the upper rudder castings that tilt inward as stock.

What other options do I have in resolving this?

Just came back from the local Hobie dealer and bought the M20 tiller connectors 120$....during the week Ill look for a alum pipe with the same ID as the stock crossbar and proper lenght...

just keeping u posted.

I just bought the M20 kit this weekend for the crossbar that I cant use....

Anyways I need to make a new crossbar at least 76" out of alum.

The M20 connector instructions say H16 cut lenght 76" but Miller's reply on my thread said cut to 75 3/4"...

Matt???