Tiller extension for cruiser

I made my own extension for my Hurley 18. Piece of turned wood about the same length as the tiller as the handle, the pivot is a brass window casement stay. I drilled a hole into the end of the extension and the shaped the casement stay so as to turn it into a spike about 4 inches long. Inserted that into the end of the extension and epoxied it in place. Two screws to hold the stay bracket in place on the underside of the tiller and a bit of Velcro to hold the extension out of the way when not needed. Cost about £15 in total.
 
I have had a 'Friend' tiller extension for many years FRIEND tiller extension Very handy, does everything an extension should do and for a short time, enough for us to get the fenders off or on, will steer the boat in a straight line. When unused it clips to the top of the tiller. Visible in this pic.
 
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The Barton ones pictured have a rubber UJ.
They won't lie flat unless the extension is quite long and heavy.
They do soften in time and will take a 'set' if left bent, but this shortens their life.
The rubber UJ is nice for a dinghy because there's no slack in it.
For a yacht you may be happy with a mechanical UJ, as there's enough weight on the helm (weather helm/rudder not balanced) to take up a little slack, you're always pulling if sat upwind.
You may find a ladder style handle less tiring..
 
I think spinlock do some that lie flat - but at the cost of a whacking great pin through the tiller that might threaten the structural integrity of the tiller.
 
frlrubett said:
Have been looking for a tiller extention for my 23 ft Leisure but the ones I have seen in the chandlery do not seem to lie flat when not in use. Is this because they are new and they will eventually 'break in'.

For example...

Barton Golf Grip Aluminium Tiller Extension 1050mm

Thanks
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Buy the associated retaining clip and that will hold it down, and in place when not in use..
 
I‘ve got a Friend tiller extension but the hooks it locks into are broken. It’s made by an Italian firm, Osculati, and it seems impossible to get spares. This predates the pandemic. If anyone knows how to get spares I’d be most grateful. BTW, a great piece of kit otherwise.
 
bromleybysea said:
I‘ve got a Friend tiller extension but the hooks it locks into are broken. It’s made by an Italian firm, Osculati, and it seems impossible to get spares. This predates the pandemic. If anyone knows how to get spares I’d be most grateful. BTW, a great piece of kit otherwise.
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I found a guy in UK who carried spares for Friend. I found him.by Googling. Bought some parts about 5 years ago.
 
bromleybysea said:
I‘ve got a Friend tiller extension but the hooks it locks into are broken. It’s made by an Italian firm, Osculati, and it seems impossible to get spares. This predates the pandemic. If anyone knows how to get spares I’d be most grateful. BTW, a great piece of kit otherwise.
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'Gin' of the forums used to import them and may have some bits. He has a boat on the Mudway.
I have one and only have the hook on one side so there is a spare in my box of bits if you can't track one down.
 
Lightwave395 said:
I have Spinlock, lies flat, extends or retracts quickly, comfortable grip and parts if ever required easy to get
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I think the difference is that the length of the Friend is infinitely adjustable, which in combination with the clip on the cockpit wall makes it a short-term pilot. It can also be used in this way at anchor to prevent the tiller from swinging about.
 
Thanks. MoodySabre, I’d hang on to it if I were you, you might well need it. Vyv_cox, Southern Rigging Supplies couldn’t help when I contacted them I couple of years ago. I even emailed Osculati in Italy but didn’t get a reply. The usually pretty helpful Seamark Nunn couldn’t help either. I got mine from Mr Pickett too but I don’t think he’s still about.
 
bromleybysea said:
Thanks. MoodySabre, I’d hang on to it if I were you, you might well need it. Vyv_cox, Southern Rigging Supplies couldn’t help when I contacted them I couple of years ago. I even emailed Osculati in Italy but didn’t get a reply. The usually pretty helpful Seamark Nunn couldn’t help either. I got mine from Mr Pickett too but I don’t think he’s still about.
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Gordon Pickett is Gin on the forum. Try a PM.
 
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