'OEM' stands for 'original' tiller.

Posted By: Gary, 2023A, Milwaukee
Date: 9/5/07 6:56p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Very nicely done... (link) (Tom Harrison, Santana 2023C, Los Gatos, California)

I mention this, because I think there's a tiller manufacturer out there somewhere that calls themselves 'OEM', whereas I'm referring to original equipment manufacturer. That blue colored wheel: not sure what the material is, but it's much softer than all the (typical) black colored, harder rollers I could find. I'm sure it was HD, or Menards. Made in India. You know, with it, I recline in the cockpit, feet up, straight forward. I rest my back on the outboard. Very comfortable, actually, as I use a small piece of foam. Almost as comfortable as my sofa. Anyway, point is, that roller wheel works wonders. And as for the more 'traditional' sailing, the tiller is perfect height. I can RELAX my hand and arm on it, as an arm rest, rather than holding the tiller off the deck the entire outing. It's very comfortable. Wish I hadn't put it off. Anyway, cobbled the whole set-up together in about an hour. Figured 'temporarily' until I had more time. Works so perfect, I'll likely keep it as is. However, am wondering if anyone else had designed a smoother, more 'sail friendly' rig that I might decide to copy. As such, please let me know/show what you come up with, Tom. TIA ~Gary P.S. below pic shows the auto-pilot hard @ work in the background...