H&L probably got sold 10 years ago, thereabouts. But someone is still around on the
internet selling tillers very like H&L They will show a stack of their tillers very much like
the original company did. But it may also have new ownership. RUDDER CRAFT
comes to mind, MauriPro looks like they offer class laminated tillers,
which may be RudderCraft.
I didn't like the original knee basher tiller and, made up a pattern slightly more S curve (it
looks more radical than it is) that swings pretty much above sitting knees in the back of the
cockpit. Instead of close matching to an existing class tiller, they used the pattern to
make an exact copy, and charged me no more than a normal price, which always was
very reasonable.
I like the tiller very much. The exaggerated S curve looks normal to me. It also allows
the tiller to be used in the resting down position when the helmsman is standing, where
the tiller is supported in the tiller-head, instead of being angled up using only the 5/16"
machine screw that attaches the tiller to the head. This screw/bolt is not easily replaced.
I have never found a ready-made.
I don't believe the boat should be steered with the tiller in the raised position.
One other thing. These laminated tillers are at a disadvantage with the attachment bolts
passing thru the laminations in their present side to side position. This is where we see most
wood to metal failures occur. After reducing the tiller end to fit the channel, I located the
attachment bolts thru the top of the channel so that the laminations are held in a clamp
position. Instead of washers under the nuts underneath I made a short one piece strip out
bronze strap. This may be unnecessary.
I lucked out back then when I scored what I stlll think is a perfect tiller. Fastening the
laminated tiller thru the top came from one of our owners here, sorry, forget who, but is
the perfect alternative to attaching softer glued-up material to that massive tillerhead.
Isolate the wood from the metal.
Likely that the tiller will need replacement in the future. Use an old-fashioned bedding
compound to waterproof the connection. Seal the end of the tiller with liquid epoxy. If
no bedding compound is available judiciously use LANOCOTE, you want to keep fresh
water out of the joint. Don't use any of the rubbers like 4200, Sikaflex, BoatLife. I
wouldn't use butyl or butyl tape either! NO RUBBER.
Semper Alberg!