Excellent question Darrel. I don't speak for the NAB (as I am no longer "officially" a part of the current NAB) but I don't see anything in the rules that would prohibit you from making a tiller out of carbon fiber. I know of one other "well sailed" boat that has a carbon tiller, so I think you should be safe. The only possible snag is under the general clause that says:

"Exotic and potentially expensive equipment will be prohibited as specified in "II. General Clause."

To go about this the "politically correct" way, you need to petition the NAB for an interpretation of the class rules on this subject. This includes simply sending the NAB an e-mail addressing the current rule interpretation you need verified. So in your case, just asking if converting your old wooden tiller to a cool carbon fiber tiller.

FYI, the NAB consists of the following:

Current class president - Eric Deeds Current class Treasurer - Dan Pruzan Midwest fleet representative - Ralph Deeds Class measurer - Brendan Busch Class measurer - Will Paxton owner of e27 molds - Sutter Schumacer (if need be)

I hope that helps.

-Jason

::
:: :: My tiller is starting to look a bit used and I have been
:: :: thinking about a carbon replacement. Really just a
:: :: fashion statement, but I was wondering if this issue has
:: :: been addressed in the class or not. I don't want to be
:: :: "in violation." I saw there was some discussion a few
:: :: years back, but no solid resolution. Any input would be
:: :: appreciated.
::
:: :: Darrel
::
:: :: ALTERNATE REALITY #19
::
:: As there have been 49 views of this post and no takers
:: on solid answers, I must assume that the NAB has no
:: formal interpretation on this matter. Soooooo..... How
:: does one formally ask the NAB for a rules interpretaion?
:: This is not a really big deal, but I want the boat to
:: stay class legal.
::
:: Darrel
::
:: ALTERNATE REALITY #19