Tiller

A tiller is a steering lever fitted to the top of a boat’s rudder stock or linked to its steering system. Moving the tiller changes the angle of the rudder, turning the vessel. It is most common on dinghies, keelboats, smaller cruising yachts, and some traditional craft.

For boaters, tiller control is direct and responsive: push the tiller to port and the bow turns to starboard, and vice versa. Good tiller technique helps maintain a steady Heading, balance sail trim, reduce drag at the Rudder, and keep the Helm light in gusts, waves, or confined manoeuvres.

Before a passage, accurate wind, sea state, and current forecasts help anticipate steering loads and fatigue, especially on exposed tiller-steered boats. PredictWind forecasts and Weather Routing support better route choices, allowing crews to avoid conditions that make hand steering difficult or unsafe.