Forespar Twist Lock Tiller Extension..

Yellow Ballad

Yellow Ballad

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 Oct 2013
Messages
1,487
Location
Sundance, Bristol Channel
Visit site
Has anyone got one or used one?

An extension is on the wish list and I know the spinlock are the go to guys but I like the idea of using an extension to "lock" the helm as a bit of a tiller tamer whilst hoisting sails etc. The Forespar has a decent sized ball on the end to allow this and being twist and lock I can adjust it to suit different conditions.

Are they any good? Does the twist and lock slip? Do anyone know of a UK stockist?

Many thanks.
 
You should also look at the Friend Tiller-stick which is excellently engineered and comes with fold down spring clips so that it can be clipped off on the coaming. It can also be adjusted without having to unclip it.
 
Last edited:
I would not bother with straight tiller extensions. They are awkward to hold in heavy weather. I had one & when I changed to a Spinlock I found it much easier. Going to windward i sit on the side deck, feet on the seats & sit with it between my knees & my hand grips the handle quite lightly. My legs take most of the load & I just trim it a bit by tipping my feet or pulling on my arm.
With the straight version one has to grip the extension with the hand continually & there is only one way of holding it. With the Spinnlock one can change one's grip even turning the handle over helps sometimes.
If I want to lock the helm in place i use the autopilot & do not turn it on.
When motoring I lock the extension to a set length & put the handle against the side of the cockpit to counteract the prop wash. Then by moving the handle back & forwards a bit it moves the tiller port or stbd whilst keeping the extension trapped against the cockpit side. This takes the weight off my arms & is easy to steer by. This is good as the propwash on my Brunton Auto prop is quite bad
The friends tiller stick comes in 2 versions so I would suggest the handle version of the 2 if taking that route
 
Last edited:
I too like my spinlock. I too pop the auto helm on and unclip the extension. But... if I had a post or stick of some kind in the right place then maybe I would slip the handle of the spinlock extension over this post then adjust the length to suit the tiller position I require to say heave to.

Spinlock extension handle is really comfy. There are other makes with similar handles.
 
I've never seen an adjustable 'stick' working as a tiller 'lock' work better than a bit of line and a clove hitch. Smaller boats, bungee instead of line sometimes.

A straight extension is OK for a small boat and/or a well balanced rudder.
Otherwise a ladder type grip is much better IME.
 
MoodySabre said:
You should also look at the Friend Tiller-stick which is excellently engineered and comes with fold down spring clips so that it can be clipped off on the coaming. It can also be adjusted without having to unclip it.
Click to expand...

It does indeed look like a good piece of kit, (I assume it's adjusted on the thread rather then a twist and lock) but again I can't find anyone stocking them in the UK.

Cheers for feedback on the handle, I have always liked stick type but the I'll look into the asymmetric before I buy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top