San Diego Sailor Independently Reviews TillerClutch™

Tested and Recommended Replacement Control Line Ropes

The TillerClutch and TillerClutchX use 5mm control line rope. This rope must be a firm double-braid with an actual diameter very close to 5mm or slightly smaller. It should run smoothly through the device and be resistant to abrasion.  The following ropes have passed our careful testing procedures, and are recommended for TillerClutch use:

• New England Ropes – Sta-Set 3/16 (5mm) Original Control Line
• New England Ropes  –  Finishline 5mm
• Teufelberger  – Sirius 300 XG 5mm
• FSE Robline  – Orion 500 5mm
• FSE Robline  – Polyester 16 double braid
• FSE Robline  – Dinghy Control Line 5mm SK-78 Dyneema core
• Samson  – LST Yacht Braid 3/16 45001240
• Novabraid, Canada  – XLE Performer traditional tan 3/16″ 5mm double braid

Cutting and Ending a New Control Line
Be sure to prepare the ends to fit easily through your TillerClutch: Tightly wrap the line with paper masking tape, cut the rope through the tape with a razor knife, melt the ends with a flame, and then unwrap the ends to make sealed ends that are no larger than the rope itself.

Limited Warranty for the WaveFront TillerClutchTM

WaveFront, Inc. warrants its TillerClutchTM products for the lifetime of the products.

What the Warranty Covers
All parts of a TillerClutch are covered by this warranty for workmanship, integrity, durability, and proper functioning of the product.

What the Warranty Does Not Cover
This warranty does not cover the tiller or control rope or any other accessories. Nor does it cover any part of a boat or any other property. In no way shall WaveFront, Inc. be liable for any amount exceeding the product’s purchase price.

What We Will Do to Correct Problems
You will be responsible for removing and returning the product to us. Upon receiving the product, we will repair or replace a defective product at our discretion and return it to you in good working order at no cost besides that of return postage.

Return Policy
Within 60 days of purchase, if for any reason you are unsatisfied, return your product with a copy of your receipt for a full refund to the address found on www.WaveFrontMarine.com.

How You Can Get Service
Contact Wavefront, Inc. at info@WaveFrontMarine.com for assistance with questions or warranty needs.

Who Is Covered
This warranty extends to the original purchaser having a receipt as proof of purchase. If you have lost your receipt, contact us and we will determine how to proceed.

Voiding the Warranty
Actions that could void the warranty at our discretion include tampering with the product or disassembly, improper use or abuse, and the application of solvents to the self-lubricating synthetic bushings. Normal heavy use is covered by the warranty.

DISCLAIMER
Safely steering and piloting a boat is the responsibility of the helmsman, who must be attentive and use caution when leaving the tiller for any reason. Always wear a life jacket while sailing.

Sailors of unballasted boats should use extra caution when securing the tiller with a TillerClutchTM, and should only do so if they are experienced. The tiller should not be secured with any device in potentially dangerous weather conditions.

The more powerful TillerClutchX model is intended only for the strongly-built boats, and should not be used on light-weight portable boats, and unballasted boats.

Wavefront, Inc. and its owners do not under any circumstances assume responsibility for damages to any person or property that may be incurred in connection with the use of its products.

If the purchaser chooses not to abide by this disclaimer, he/she is welcome to return their TillerClutch product to WaveFront, Inc. within 60 days of purchase for a full refund.

The standard TillerClutch is intended for lighter or well-balanced tiller-steered sailboats that typically sail in fair to moderate conditions or sheltered waters. It is recommended for all but the lightest trailer-size sailboats and day sailors generally up to 24 ft (7 m) or so. The steering effort you feel in the tiller is usually under 15 lb (7 kg), about the weight of a bowling ball.

The TillerClutchX is the same physical size, but it provides extra holding power for heavier boats, such as keel boats, stout trailer boats about 25 ft (7 m) and up, traditional cat boats and blue water boats of all sizes. These boats can generate greater steering effort, often above 15 lb (7 kg), and they tend to sail in more varied conditions. Some smaller, stout-built boats with heavy weather helm can also benefit from the TillerClutchX.

The TillerClutchX is not recommended for most smaller, lighter trailer-size boats.  It can allow greater loads on the steering components than they are designed to handle. Also, if ever necessary, it takes more effort to overpower the “X” model without first squeezing the lever.  Still, unlike using an “autohelm,” you can force the tiller, if necessary, without disengaging the mechanism of either model.

Note, neither model is recommended for ultralight unballasted sailboats like the Sunfish or Laser, which require constant hand steering.

It is simple to upgrade from the standard TillerClutch to the TillerClutchX. The outside dimensions and screw placement are identical.

Mounting Servo Mini Cam Cleats

Trim the thin plastic tabs on the bottom of the cam cleats with a utility knife as shown below.

Determine the position of the cam cleats on the boat and mark the screw locations. Pre-drill screw holes in fiberglass with a 1/8” (3.2 mm) bit for the included No. 6 screws. (For other hardware with No. 8 screws, use a 9/64” (3.5 mm) bit.)

Chamfer (flare) the top of the hole just through the overlying gel coat, using a countersink or a much larger drill bit. We recommend running the drill in reverse for this procedure. Use a marine sealer on the screw threads to prevent leaks.

1. Trim plastic tabs in the mounting surface to allow the fairlead to seat properly.
2. Insert wire fairlead and mount cam cleat with the fairlead facing aft or facing rudder.