T Foils

[Princey]

Cascade system pulling one corner of the cam. Running along the gantry down the middle then forward to split either side.
Princey

[Will_Lee]

Here's a vid of our new t foil system working.

[daryl_wilkinson]

Is that the fine adjustment system? If it isn't what is to stop the system re-centering when your wrist can't hold the tension in the system anymore?

[Will_Lee]

It is the fine adjustment - though it is now no finer than the 'coarse' part, which is a turret cleat in the middle with a split line to each rack.

At the weekend it was a bit tight to hold the tension on by hand, but what I liked was being able to let it spin back a bit as we gybed or tacked, as well as being able to pull some on without moving.

To make it easier to hold we went for 25mm extensions on this boat rather than the 16mm ones we had before, which gives you another 3:1 purchase because the spindle is 8mm across. Also more area to grip with in your hand.

To overcome the other problem we had on Atum (which was the end of the tiller filling up with rope), we have a coarser purchase, a bigger volume for the rope to wind up in, and we've gone for v thin vectran rope which winds on there.

The master plan is to make a spindle like the picture though. This will hold itself every turn but does not need a cleat.

Sailing with the system we have at the moment was so good last weekend I can't wait for another go!

[mathew_harris]

ok seemingly daft question time, how do you attach the tiller extensions to the gearbox/spindle?  I've been trying to think but i can't seem to think of a way that is both solid enough so it won't twist and snap yet will still be flixible enough to be used in real life.  like i say probably a stunningly simple answer but the beer from the weekend has stopped my brain working...

[Ben Howett]

There are a few different solutions floating about - mine are made using short lengths of hydraulic hosing epoxied onto a standard universal joint connector to keel them removable. The hosing is effectively a reinforced rubber tube, probibly around 15mm diameter? - nice and flexy but virtualy untwistable.

If you want to go down a similar route I have some pictures somewhere. The hosing is free or very cheep - (certainly less than a couple of quid)  if you find a local suplier and ask nicely.

[simon_jones]

We use hydraulic hose which has been pre drilled with a stainless bolt through the end of the tiller extension. On the other end is a stainless hoseclip.

[mathew_harris]

We use hydraulic hose which has been pre drilled with a stainless bolt through the end of the tiller extension. On the other end is a stainless hoseclip.

Where am i best looking for the hydraulic hose?  I'm guessing i won't find it in an average DIY place?

[daryl_wilkinson]

Auto-spares shop

[simon_jones]

Matt if you're going to Weston this weekend I can let you have some.

[daryl_wilkinson]

Where are most people putting there 'T' foil adjustment cleats? On the aft rack beam seems easiest but to my thinking involves and interesting crossing arm manoeuvre to adjust it, holding the tiller in the front hand with dagger grip whilst adjusting it with the back hand?

Any thoughts?

[roland_trim]

VIEW FROM THE BACK OF THE FLEET (we get to see many transoms)

There is a growing trend of "Next to the cunno and kicker" backed up with fine adjustement from the tiller.
Atom is sporting a really nice "Cam cleat along the tiller" system'.

BS has hers on the tiller next to the pin, with the line split out to either tiller. Yes, adjusting while on the fly can crossing hands, but is OK for the bear-away and H has made me stop fiddling with it when twinning as adjusting the weight around our preferred settings
i.e.
down hill - not alot, but slightly on
up hill with wind - on a bit more
uphill with no wind - on alot as the bow is down and needs to be corrected for or is effectively on negative (although at this point people say it does nothign for speed, I still find we are quicker with it - although we have not tried to old rudder in L&S for a few months).

LLC(ALMA) will have a kicker, cunno and foil in a set at the front, swept back so both of us can get to it.

[daryl_wilkinson]

Ummm... so how are you adjusting it if it's on the tiller arm? When you are tacking / gybing or sitting in?

(see pic.)

I was going to put a cleat where 'A' is. But I think now I will turn the control line along the hull side so it is with the other cleats in the middle of the gunwale 'B'.

[peter_barton]

I have a cleat at B and am happy with it. It is good for the helms front hand and can also be used by the crew when the helm is 'too busy' at the back.

[Will_Lee]

On the SK4 they have it up by the shroud, but with limits set at the back. This is quite neat because as you go forward to adjust it it unloads the foil, so you need less purchase. But is also means a perilous journay forward to reduce the t foil angle if it is on too far downwind!

We had cleats at A, but now have twisty grip for fine and a turret cleat on the deck under the tiller with split lines attached with bungee to each rack. That is used for coming ashore only really.