Tiller Locker

thingiverse

This is a device that will lock a sailboat tiller in place when the lever is flipped down. It is designed to use a 3/16" (5mm) line that is attached to the transom or cockpit coaming in a similar manner to the various commercial tiller locking products that are available. You will need the following parts, usually available at the hardware store for less than $5 total, to complete this device: one 3/16" x 1 1/4" square key (https://www.mcmaster.com/98870A150/) one 3/16" x 1" tension pin (https://www.mcmaster.com/98296A910/) three #8 x 1 1/2" stainless sheet metal screws (https://www.mcmaster.com/90065A203/) one optional #8 x 1/2" stainless steel sheet metal screw The McMaster links are just to provide an example of what I used. You can probably buy the same parts individually (or the metric equivalent) at your local hardware store. The square key acts as a piston that fits in the rectangular cavity inside the main body. The tension pin acts as the pivot for the lever. The three 1 1/2" screws go through the main body and into your tiller. There is an additional screw hole under the lever if you want to add a fourth screw for security. Assuming you mount this device on the underside of your tiller, when the lever is pushed down it will drive the square key into the line and lock it in place. When the lever is pulled back up, it will release the line and allow the tiller to swing freely. 5/2021 update: I've been using this thing sailing and it works perfectly. Totally secure when locked, and the tiller swings freely when it's unlocked. 11/2021 update: This tiller lock (printed with PETG) lived outside, uncovered, on the underside of my tiller all season and still functioned perfectly when I hauled the boat. By the end of the season the center 6" of my locking line was a bit chewed up and that was allowing a little bit of slippage when the line was wet, but that line is easily and cheaply replaceable. I'm very happy with how well it worked and I have no desire to replace it with any of the commercial tiller locking mechanisms.