long tiller extension

MrBill

New Member
When I first got my Laser, I found it impossible to sail with a long tiller extension, so I cut mine down to what I considered a "reasonable" and usable length (34 inches). Now after a season of sailing I can see the benefits of a long tiller extension. So I've bought a new tiller extension (48 inches). Only to find out the tiller I had used and found too long before I cut it down...had already been cut down by the previous user. So before the next season starts, I'm looking for tips on how to get the long tiller extension from one side to the other when tacking...without it hitting the boom , or getting tangled in the mainsheet at the block. I've watched a few videos, but can't really see the technique.
 
Always hold the tiller like you would a microphone or dagger. Push the extension down to tack and you should have enough angle between the extension and tiller to allow the handle to clear the mainsheet. Always keep the extension "honest" or on the windward side of the boom or you will find yourself in trouble if you get hit with a suprise puff.

After some time with the longer extension you will find that you don't even notice it after a while.

Here's a good video ...

 
Watch some videos and next time you go out practice some tacks, You'll get used to it pretty easily, once you get used to it you'll be glad you have that extra few inches on the extension.

I think what I do during tacks is pass the extension under as I cross the boat, usually when the tiller is turned all the way. I'm sure after a few sails it will feel natural and smooth, The things to watch out for are getting caught on the mainsheet or boom, worst case you capsize.
 
Right in the middle of a tack, you will probably have let out an arm's length of sheet or so, which gives you a smidge more room and you can just poke the end of the tiller extension through the upper "corner" where the mainsheet meets the boom.

Does anyone else think that the guy in the video is using an awful lot of rudder?
 
Right in the middle of a tack, you will probably have let out an arm's length of sheet or so, which gives you a smidge more room and you can just poke the end of the tiller extension through the upper "corner" where the mainsheet meets the boom.

Does anyone else think that the guy in the video is using an awful lot of rudder?

maybe when initiating the turn, he has pretty solid technique though
 
what are yur guys thoughts on the fatso tiller extension?

LOVE the Fatso Jr. The Fatso is a little wider round. As I get older and my hands either cramp or get a little artiritic I will probably go to the Fatso as it will be easier to grip without having to close your hand as much.
 
So should I get the fatso or the fatso jr?

I suspect it is more down to individual choice and you will have to interpret comments from different people in the light of your own requirements. If it was completely black ad white I doubt both products would be available (as nobody would buy "the wrong one").

Unfortunately I have no experience of either (I'm still on whatever PSC supplied with the boat - unsure what brand/model that is but it works fine) - so I cannot comment on either product.

Ian
 
sorry to get off the subject, but i just realized recently that my spare rubber universal has the same diameter as copper tubeing. has anyone tried to make a backup tiller with this? seems cheap and easy and a great backup to the carbon one that i will sooner or later sit on and break. the main problem i see is the copper being to weak. thoughts?? ideas??
 
sorry to get off the subject, but i just realized recently that my spare rubber universal has the same diameter as copper tubeing. has anyone tried to make a backup tiller with this? seems cheap and easy and a great backup to the carbon one that i will sooner or later sit on and break. the main problem i see is the copper being to weak. thoughts?? ideas??

I would think copper tubing is not rigid enough.
 
sorry to get off the subject, but i just realized recently that my spare rubber universal has the same diameter as copper tubeing. has anyone tried to make a backup tiller with this? seems cheap and easy and a great backup to the carbon one that i will sooner or later sit on and break. the main problem i see is the copper being to weak. thoughts?? ideas??

Copper is expensive and not really practical for a tiller extension. I would not want to get smacked by a copper pipe capsizing in 25kts. You can order marine grade stainless steel tubing online or locally that would be a better solution for a back up. You could also just build your own carbon tube.
 
Would not aluminum tubing serve the purpose cheaper than copper or stainless, be lighter, and be nearly as stiff as the stainless?

Thinking back the standard extension was aluminum and in my memory it served pretty well. A wood extension (coupled to the connector via a short section of aluminum tube) should also work.
 
I've seen old articles from the 70s and 80s where they used PVC pipe -- a 4' piece, 3/4 to 1 inch Dia., schedule 40 would do -- use hockey tape to make it non-slip.

Dudley Dix was at a show with his paper jet and he used a piece of bamboo fishing pole with with a small piece of rubber tubing (get it at a hardware store) for a universal. Cheap and he said it worked great.
 
I have the copper, so the cost is not an issue, what about sandwiching the copper with aluminum tubing on the outside or a wood dowel on the inside?
 
Copper by itself would be way too soft. It'd be bent up bad before the end of the day. Wood inside would help a great deal. If you're really wanting to use it, plan on forcing a wood dowel inside for strength.

If you're only using it because you got it, trade it to the scrapper for some pocket change and go get the PVC stuff. You'll have to bush the PVC to fit your universal, but that should be easy with some PVC glue and some scrap pieces. Slit a small length, fit it inside the larger piece, glue in place, repeat till the universal is easily fitted.

Verdigris with a green striped hull would be the talk of the fleet, however. :D
 

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