Tiller Connecting Bar - Old style to New Style [Martin Searl

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Martin Searle wrote:

Folks,

Just wondering if it would be possible to convert my existing tiller connecting bar to one with a flexi-joint connector thingy on it instead of the existing swivel and split pin setup I have at the moment (old pre-89 setup I think looking at the dart parts catalogue on the site). Is it simply a case of removing the existing fitting and then rivetting on the flexi-joint connector? (what part number do I require?).

Alternatively is there a source for the old style end fitting?

I have had to shorten my existing tiller extension after it broke near the end fitting so its getting way too short for sporting but ok for una rigging, so I was thinking of acquiring a sporting length tiller extension but they all seem to come with flexi joint fittings attached.

Martin Searle
Seasalter Sailing Club

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Bob replied:

Hi Martin,
Yes it can be done. You need to buy Saddle part (D40390) to mount the UV joint on the Con Bar - have a look at the parts list on this web site. You can buy this part from the Laser Centre (or possibly from Windsport). It will on fit your con bar exactly as the old con bars have a larger diameter reinforcing section in the centre. I just tried it on some parts I have in the garage and it should work OK. If I was doing it I would put some silicone sealant under the saddle to act as filler to make up the difference between the two diameters.*****
When you buy the bendy joint to put in the tiller you get the other part you need. I recommend that you buy the stronger polyurethane (translucent) part with the string through the centre (part number RWO RO842). They are about three times as expensive (?10.57) than the black rubber one (?3.35) but they are much less likely to fail. I've been let down several times by the black rubber one but have never had a polyurethane one fail.
You must remember to keep the tube reducing section from the inside of your old tiller when fitting this part to the tiller (as it is designed to fit the smaller section tillers as used on Lasers, etc). When converting your old tiller you will have to find a bit of tube to use for this purpose.
Cheers
Bob
PS **** I was just looking in the LDC catalogue that came with this weeks Y&Y and they have the saddle piece for 32mm tube (R0713) for ?1.10 which should fit you con bar extactly - so you can get all that you need from them and only pay postage once.

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Bob replied:

The LDC phone number is 02380 274700 and their web site is www.ldcracingsailboats.co.uk
Cheers
Bob