The TillerClutch is designed to fit most tiller-steered boats from dinghies to smaller cruisers. Two screws mount it soundly to your square or round wooden tiller, or even to an aluminum one. (If you ever remove it, the screw holes will be hidden on the underside of the tiller.) It can also be used for steadying auxiliary outboards. TillerClutch is not intended for wheel-steered boats, and is not recommended for super light small racing boats. Your tiller clutch can be used for the following:
* tacking
* preventing "rudder knock" at the dock or at anchor
* while reefing or changing or dousing sail
* motoring
* changing hands at the helm
* heaving to
* launching and landing
* when you don't have time to engage and adjust your tiller pilot
* dinghy racing
* just taking a break - especially when sailing close-hauled
* It should be used with caution in rough conditions -hand steering should take priority.
The TillerClutch should not be confused with any type of active tiller pilot. The TillerClutch is a mechanical device intended to hold the tiller in any desired position for momentary relief from steering. Some boats can remain on course (usually close-hauled) with the tiller fixed for an extended time, others for only a short period. It is the sailor's responsibility to decide when steering corrections are needed. Care must always be taken when leaving the tiller unattended while underway. The TillerClutch nicely complements an electronic tiller controller. Tiller pilots typically can't react to boat wakes, wind shifts, channel bends, etc. Your TillerClutch will stand by without adding any drag for the mechanism to overcome. When a quick course change is needed, just disengage your tiller pilot, click your TillerClutch on and trim to your new course. Then you'll have time to readjust your tiller pilot if desired.