Tiller Extension

[hinmo]

I need a tiller extension. I solo quite a bit and/or am hiking out and can't reach the tiller well.

My 1983 came with a lock box. I am trying to decide which tiller extension to get to accommodate the locking feature. Forespar makes one that extends 19 inch to 32 inches. I have not measured my tiller to the lockbox lenth yet, but will. I am concerned that someone on this site (or in a manufacturers review) said you need to drill a large hole in the tiller. That concerns me some.

Anyone have any experience?

I could go with a simple extension and do without the locking feature, but since the lockbox is there....I figured I would look into the full shabang.

help? thx

[Salty19]

I think the Forespars are nice units and do the job well. While I don't use it much it seems to be a good quality, better made than their small whisker poles (which always seem to jam).

The hole is about 3/8"W X 3/4" D and nope not everyone wants to drill that big of a hole in the tiller.  I've always used an IDA rudder with this hole drilled so strong weather helm to break the stick. However I have experienced some nasty broad reach waves requiring a ton of tiller effort to stay course.

You could also wrap a short line around the tiller and use it to hold the tiller from weather helming if you only are going to use it every so often. You can't push the tiller away from you with a line, but if you're sailing hard and hiking out you're probably just trying to keep it from helming. Tie a knot for a grip.  That might work for the purpose you describe and be a lot less bulky and in the way, and probably free except the $.02 advice here.

[NateD]

My 16 came with the Forespar extension you mentioned installed by the previous owner (with lock box). I don't use it much, but it is handy to have. Yeah, you gotta drill a hole in the tiller to mount it. It can be nerve racking to drill holes in your beloved boat, but just remember that if you mess up, everything can be fixed.

[brackish]

You shouldn't be concerned with the hole required in the tiller for the Forespar extension.  Yes it is a large hole, but then you replace some of the drilled out material with a heavy stainless steel flanged bushing.  I coat the hole with epoxy and set the bushing so that it seals the hole.  Depending on the thickness of your tiller the bushing may not go all the way through, so remember to seal the hole all the way down.   I've had extensions on four boats and never have had any structural issues with the extension mounting.  The main force is much further down the tiller closer to the yoke.

[cdflan]

Agree with brackish but would add that, as in my case, if the doesn't go all the way through the tiller, drill with a samller hole all the way and coat all with epoxy so that water can drain out rather than pool in the bottom against the wood (bushing has open bottom).  My HC also has tiller clutch and autopilot (Raytheon ST1000) mounted on my tiller with no problems.

[hinmo]

Thanks all. I am definitely overthinking this issue.

I need a tiller extension, bottom line.

Key features such as stowing the extension when not in use, locking the tiller when moored, removing the extension (most have disconnect mounts), length of the extension, etc are the variables I am pondering.