The tiller pilot arrangement is too fragile. Its going to cause trouble again. He needs a more robust solution.
He is lucky no one was on deck when it failed, that boom would sweep everything in its path.
The tillerpilot is operating a trim tab , so doesn't need to exert so much force.
He seems to be satisfied with its operation.
As he explained, the constant (correct) operation split the (teak) mounting block along the grain.
The heavier hardwood block should do the job.
You are right about the gybe though. It would have come right out of the blue.
gary
I'm not convinced, looked like he was tying it on with a sailtie as a backup.
I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a change to a more robust system down the track.
Auto pilot failures have killed people, and especially with a boom like his, it seems to me he cannot afford it to happen again. I think he has been given the wake up and needs a better system.
She seems like a brutal boat, and a dangerous one, to singlehand. A lot of effort with the sliding flying jib, the heavy gaff rig and the poor self steering. Great workmanship but she doesn't seem the safest boat out there with no crew protection, no lifelines and all that old world rig stuff. Makes me love my furler and compsote lightweight boat a little more.
I think it was Colin Mudie in the Sopranino book who said he wanted two boats - one to sail and one to look at. Certainly Tally Ho is nice to look at (although her sheerline is way too high in the bum) but I am fine sailing my own boat.
