Mast squeak and shorter tiller extension

When sailing with crew, I prefer to not use the tiller extension and steer using the bar. The provided extension, though, is too long to just let drag. Since it would be nice to have a shorter extension available, I decided to make a shorter one (one that is half the length of the bar (40")) so it won't drag if I just ignore it. I used some pultruded epoxy rod about 3/8" diameter and built up the attachment with some fiberglass and 5 minute epoxy and a bit of sprinkler riser. This makes it fit in the clamp on the bar and also makes it possible to drill through (pultruded epoxy rods are hard to drill through without splintering them). Just a tidbit in case anyone wants to make one of their own. Took an hour or so--you can get the epoxy rods at Tap Plastic.

Need some help here...My mast ball squeaks a bunch--most noticeably while hove to or going downwind (ie, no mainsheet compressive load). Do any of you add lubricant (vaseline?)?

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Dunno about the Getaway, but as a general rule of beach cats, avoid anything that attracts sand. If you want to try a lube, I'd use a good dry silicone or graphite. Sailcote is my current goto.

Todd

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Todd
Hobie 21SE
Bellingham, WA

Thanks for the suggestion. Has anyone tried a bearing surface? I'm thinking a quarter sized piece of thin (1/16") HDPE between ball and socket. Maybe a piece of milk carton?

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I read on this forum that you can take a whiffle ball (plastic hollow golf ball with holes in it), cut it in half, and place it in the bottom of the mast. It supposedly fits perfect and acts as a bearing. I plan to try this the next time I drop the mast (early August). I'll let you know how it works.

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Dave

Mast squeak: Before I use the golf whiffle ball (which seems a good idea), I'm going to try some thick (4 mil) plastic drop cloth that I happen to have around--I use it for fiberglass projects since epoxy doesn't stick to it. I'll use two layers with some grease between the two. Should work, but we'll see.

Tiller: In addition to the shorter tiller extension, I rigged a "tiller tamer" that goes around the tramp. Essentially it is just some line routed through blocks attached at the base of each of the four seat supports and attached to the tiller bar. Pull the line and the tiller moves so you can steer from the front crossbar without needing a tiller extension. I'll give it a try-I used to drive my F242 from the amas using that system-I stopped, though, because crew would sit on the line and then I couldn't steer. I might not have the same issue on the getaway since the line is under the seat.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II