A tiller is a simple, direct-steering lever attached to the top of a sailboat's rudder, common on boats under 30 feet. It provides immediate, responsive handling by pushing or pulling the handle to turn the rudder, offering more direct feel and less maintenance than wheels, while maximizing cockpit space.

Key Aspects of a Tiller Sailboat:
Steering Mechanism: Moving the tiller to one side turns the rudder the opposite way (e.g., push tiller left/port, boat turns right/starboard).

Best Use Cases: Ideal for smaller boats, dinghies, and day sailors requiring quick maneuverability.

Advantages:
Simplicity & Maintenance: Few moving parts make them easy to repair.

Feedback: Provides better "feel" of the water and rudder load.

Cockpit Space: Takes up less room and can be removed or raised to open space.

Responsiveness: Faster, direct steering input compared to wheels.

Limitations: Difficult to use on larger boats (>35 ft) because the tiller can require significant force to move as water pressure increases, requiring an excessively long lever.

Options: Tiller extensions (hiking sticks) allow the sailor to steer from the side deck.

Commonly found on performance-oriented or smaller cruising boats, a tiller allows for efficient handling, often enabling the helmsman to sit on the side and still reach the controls.