Sunfish tiller?

Actually the tillers are made of ash. They are then stained mahogany to match he rudder. Oak is too solid and non flexible to work well. Ash allows for bending to the tiller won't crack or break as easily.
One thing to look for is the grain of the wood. If purchasing a commercial tiller check that the grain is parallel to the tiller. Any cross grain will help cracking and breaking. Same goes for selecting wood if you DIY.
 
I agree with Mike above. Well seasoned white ash is the wood of choice for a tiller handle. It does have a little flex to it so it will bend before it breaks but if it well seasoned and has long, straight grain, it is the perfect material for the job.

Alan Glos
Cazenovia, NY
 
I looked at mine again yesterday, and it is indeed Ash not Oak. However, having made many oak tillers in the past, some steam bent, I know that it would work just fine.
 
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