http://bensboats.blogspot.com/2010/10/rudder.html

I think I'm going to change to an 18" or 24" yolk this summer.

The funny thing is that I have done the majority of my sailing using a push-pull tiller, so if I change to a "normal" one I will probably get confused 

I was skeptical at first, but got used to the push-pull pretty quickly (mine is actually 'push to go port' as the yoke protrudes starboard). I even prefer it. A couple inches of push is equivalent to a 45 degree arc on a traditional tiller, which is nice on a small boat. I can also loosen the linkage (1/4" line) and lay the tiller inboard so it's out of the way when I'm rowing.

I have a 'barn door' and a kick-up rudder for my dory. The kick-up is foiled and is more responsive. It requires a little more attention to maintain a course, but wouldn't say it is prohibitive and still provides steerage when kicked-up.

I ask because I tried a push-pull tiller on my outrigger. The first day out with it I capsized the boat because I pushed instead of pulled during a gust   :-)  Yes, it was pretty funny as I realized what I had done and had time to curse and climb over the side and watch it happen.  Also, I thought the force on the pole was a little tiring, and also #2, I thought the egonomics of a pole led to a less steady course steered compared to a traditional tiller. I went back to the tiller immediately.

But a push-pull pole simplifies some gawky complexities since I need a system to get around a mizzenmast.  I hypothsized that if I made that arm on the rudder piece longer (my first version was only about 14 inches long; yours looks closer to 20 inches?), the force would be reduced and the longer swing would slow down reaction and thus steady the steering "bumps."  Of course, the problem of learning to push/pull correctly without thinking the mantra all the time "pull to go port" will have to be trained into natural reaction :-)   Thoughts?  -- Wade

I'm not much of a paddler and always wondered if I could hack it all day long, day after day. I give those Class 2 guys/gals a lot of credit.

It's extremely tough for a single to get Moon Shadow launched at the NCC. After getting off the beach you need to make about four first downs to float. If you go as a class 4 single I hope you have some others to race with. Last year the class 4 field was very thin. Anyhow the NCC is wonderful and I hope to be there one way or another.

Bill

Jarhead wrote:

--with all that tacking you probably covered 600 miles!

It sure felt like it!

But pain hath no memory. I can't wait for the next one!

Thanks for the positive review, Bill.
I'll make sure I find you and Moon Shadow on the beach next time.
Will you enter NCC2012?

Bill

DogsLife wrote:

One tip: when I helped you move your boat I noticed that it was quite heavy.

Thanks DL. You are right, and it seemed to get heavier every day! 

I only used like 2 sets of clothes, less than 1/2 the food I brought and was not putting so much effort into setting up/braking down camp toward the end of the race. Could've gotten away with a lot less, for sure.

I even read that most new guys pack too much and thought I was packing sparse. I'll definitely pack alot lighter next time.

Might add a "Lessons Learned" appendix to the blog.

great job on your run. You had obstacles but you overcame them. I will camp with you again any time. 

I hope to see you in the NCC. This is not the same race as the EC. Your boat might do well in this one. One tip: when I helped you move your boat I noticed that it was quite heavy. A sign of a first timer. Work on your equipment weights. My rule is never take anything that doeas not have more than one use.

See you on the beach...

DogsLife...

PaddleDancer - thanks for the birthday wish! Am I reading between the lines correctly?? Are you officially committing to RaceMom duty for EC2013? I hope so, you did an outstanding job this year!

NorthernLight - never apologize for passing somebody in a race! Sorry, no pics of the 'gory slash', but I believe Chief took a movie of it still pumping when you cut the bandage off. Tell Ben to work his movie-magic and make it 3D!

PeesInBilgePump - I love the simplicity of the Lug Rig on the NE Dory. It's perfect for cruising/WT events as you can drop or raise the unstayed mast on the water in minutes. CLC makes some great boats, look forward to seeing your North Bay in the fall!

KiwiBird - Thanks for the kind words and I'll see you in NC!

KB

Congratulations in winning the Class 4, Single Male 2012 EC

Like you, I also have a Concept 2 rower, live in the Philly area (Oxford - Chester County) and built a CLC Dory (launched 7-4-11).  As a result of seeing your accomplishment in this year's EC, you've inspired me to add a lug rig to my dory as well. 

No, you won't be seeing me in Class 4 in this year's NCC100.  I don't know how to sail very well.  Currently I reading a book for dummies.  I will be entering my CLC NorthBay in either Class 1 or 2.  I look forward to meeting you.

Rob Neely

Apologies for any frustration caused :)  When you came up next to us, we were in AWE of you.  "Wait a minute, that's LeatherLungs!  He's got to have at least six or seven stitches in that hand and he got right back in the boat!"  I was feeling the pain for you when the wind died and you picked up the oars.  I think I overheard some of that good wind cursing.

Thanks for telling the story! 

And by the way...any pics of the gory slash?  Its got to be seen to be appreciated :)

I'm sticking near you next year -- you've earned down downwind days!

Lugnut

CLICK HERE to visit the blog. Check back later, I might figure out how to add videos to it.

For now, here are YouTube links to the START & the FINISH

Neil 'LeatherLungs' Calore