Sometimes making your own extension is the best solution to steering challenges on tiller-steered boats.

The steering arm can be solid wood, or tubing—usually aluminum or carbon fiber. The hinges are available from many sources. Your main decision is whether you want the extension to be easily removable.

If you just want an over-the-counter version, then refer to the Value Guide on page 18 for our ratings. If you are not sure what you want, the normal response is, “I’ll get an adjustable extension.”

However, most of the extensions you see on race boats or larger boats are fixed length. It is no mystery why. They are lighter than adjustable extensions, smooth to handle, harder to break, and won’t slip under high load.

You can choke up when you need a shorter length. Even if you decide that an adjustable extension might be the best answer to satisfy the whole crew—you still need to determine the right length. And that is when a mock up tiller handle comes in handy.

MAKING A MOCKUP TILLER EXTENDER

This mock-up is not intended for extended sailing use. It is only for a light wind trial, to help determine what length and style will work best, and perhaps to decide if adjustable or fixed length will suit you best.

1. Start with a 15-inch length of 1/2-inch webbing and form a loop that fits snugly over your tiller. To form the loop a simple overhand, or figure-eight knot works well. You want everything snug, but you also want to allow enough space between the pipe and the tiller to create a free-moving swivel (see photo 3).
2. Slot the ½-inch PVC pipe with a hand saw about ¾ inch deep on both sides.
3. Slide the webbing tails through the slots (see photos 1 and 2), lay them down the sides of the pipe, and use a hose clamp to squeeze the slots closed on the webbing. A second clamp backs it up. Cover the hose clamps with athletic tape to prevent scratching.
4. Slide the webbing loop onto the tiller and tape it in place with 1½-inch athletic tape (see photo 3). The webbing will stretch for a snug fit.
5. Cut the extension to the proposed length, leaving it a little long to start.
6. If you cut off too much, it can be added back using either glued couplings (fixed) or threaded adapters (to simulate an adjustable extension).

A mock-up is just a fitting aid, not a DIY option. It will be floppy and heavy, to the point of convincing you to do without an extension, but stick with it. Try a number of seating positions, postures, and grip styles (dagger vs. golf). The coaming offers good visibility ahead, but will need padding if you want to sit there for long. Is your back in a weird twist? How’s the wrist holding up? Try multiple position grips and seating positions, since the best choice will change with the weather. Be fussy and get it right.

Try a few tacks and jibes to learn how it swings when you pass the extension. You may find that when it blows you like to sit down in the cockpit, fist on the tiller. Our F-24 trimaran requires two extensions to cover the enormous range of requirements— a 4–foot extension for cockpit and coaming use, and a 10-foot length when sitting on the ama (see photos above). Fortunately, our stern rail rest supports them both “Tacking and Self-steering with a Tiller Extension”).

Is the tiller forward or aft of the mainsheet? If aft, very long extensions can be passed behind the mainsheet. If forward of the mainsheet the length is constrained by what you can pass between the end of the tiller and the mast or cabin, and how many crewmate heads you are willing to smack. That’s an exaggeration, of course, but it is a factor. 

Duckworks, www.duckworks.com
■ Racelite Tiller Extension (part# RL494)
www.duckworksbbs.com/product-p/rl-494.htm,
■ Ronstan Universal Tiller Extension Joint (part# RF3133)
www.duckworksbbs.com/product-p/rf3133.htm

Murrays sports, www.murrays.com
■ Hobie Tiller Yoke (SKU# 01-0062)
www.murrays.com/product/01-0062

Ronstan,www.ronstan.com
■ Ronstan Tiller extension hardware (multiple parts)
www.ronstan.com/marine/range.asp?RnID=075

Forespar, www.forespar.com
■ Spinlock TFP Quick Release (part# 104004)
www.forespar.com/products/tiller-extension-twist-lock.shtml.

Spinlock, www.spinlock.co.uk,
■ Spinlock Spinflex Joint (SPEJB-KIT)
www.adventurehardware.com.au/tiller-extensions/tiller-
extension-spares/spinlock-spinflex-joint-for-ejb-600-and-900-
tiller-extensions/

Carbon Fiber Tube Shop, (tubes of various sizes),
www.carbonfibertubeshop.com