single handed from the trapeze

I have a recently restored 77 (Goldfinger) that is primarily original equipment, including the crotch-killer diaper for getting out on the trap. After a couple seasons, I was ready to strap it on and try running it from the trap single. Forget the balancing act after a tack and trying to hold the main sheet/traveler line, the tiller arm doesn't seem long enough even if I could get out there. So, the do I:
1-forget trying to run from the trap single handed
2-get an extension for the tiller
3-keep trying and get photos to entertain other Hobie owners with a variety of interesting falls and crashes

[img]C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\hagend\My%20Documents\sdc10025_edited.jpg[/img]

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'77 Goldfinger, blue hulls

I vote for a combination of 2 and 3.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Photos from your computer don't work here. You need to upload it to a free photo hosting site like Photobucket, Picasa, Flicker, etc. Then put the link in between the img tags like you did.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

I have one of those old thin tiller extensions that doesn't really work on trapeze. The hot sticks extend longer I believe so I need one of those!

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~Kyle Gless '77 Hobie 16

I hesitate to mention this since I'll probably become the subject of derision but my 'hotstick' is an aluminum, locking painting extension from Lowes.

It looks pretty good with the colors of my boat and can go up to 8' long fully extended. It's light and strong enough.
I was able to fit the normal fiberglass tiller hardware onto it easily- where it was made to screw on to a paint roller.

It may not last as long as a 'real' hotstick but for $15 it's not bad.

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Raise your sail one foot, and you get ten feet of wind.
起你的一只帆，和你10英尺的。 -- Chinese Proverb
William D. Latinette @ Latrobe, PA, USA w. H14 Turbo X 2... [email protected]

Thanks, and your answers confirmed my suspicions. The photo I was attempting to upload previously shows a crew of 3 a great day for sailing-I am running the jib at the time.

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'77 Goldfinger, blue hulls

You can buy a lot of $15 paint rollers for the $500 I pay for a Marstom tiller extension. Its a little gut wrenching when those get broken.

Acme sells nice carbon fiber ones 96" for $170 that includes ronstand universal.

96"?...let's see...that's the (extended) length of the Arriba FX3 that costs what...$145?
And it's made in the USA...by a Hobie sailor!
Don't see what the affinity is with carbon vs. glass/epoxy
ps Arriba has carbon sticks too ps

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Don't forget carbon conducts electricity = shock hazard = not racing class legal

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

Yes Arabia makes a great product.Unfortunatly I find the diameter of there tillers too large and a little heavy,I also am not a big fan of telescopic tillers.
As far as conducting electricity,note to self,if it is lightening out do not go out sailing.Unfortunatly we have to come up with these rules to protect the unsafe sailors.
Light weight carbon fiber tillers are a treat to sail with,especially Cats where you have to swing the lengthy tiller around on manovers.

I cannot imagine using a tiller extension other than my Hot Stick. It well made, has a good feel, is strong and easy to adjust, holds its adjustment well. But I've only used a hot stick for 27 years on a H16 and H17Sport.

You should try the Marstrom one. Probably a 1/4 of the weight of my old hot stick.

Heavy tillers make for messy tacks. When you're swinging that long stick around that's alot of weight to counter from wiggling the rudders.

You are absolutly right.Like I said light carbon tillers are a treat to sail with.