That short video shows two handed trimming nicely, thanks.Here's a video clip and another of two handed trimming.
A Ronstan Battlestick (extension) is about $50, but they last a long long time and add value to the boat.Sheesh tiller extensions ain't cheap. If I bought the universal joint, has anyone ever DIY'd the extension itself?
I used old ski poles. $5 on CraigslistOur sailing club, with 9 seaworthy Sunfish boats in the fleet has quite a few shabby tiller extensions. If we just had one Sunfish it would not be such a burden to get a new, quality tiller extension but I hesitate to ask the club to spend hundreds of dollars on new tiller extensions. Plus, many of our 420 and Flying Scot tiller extensions could use a re-fresh.
Can anyone that has made their own tiller extensions recommend a source of economical parts? They seem to be fairly simple; some sturdy tubing, suitable grips, and some end caps.
I found that the inside diameter of most golf club shafts is too small to fit around the Ronstan universal mount (14mm or 0.55”). However, the inside diameter of the ski poles that I found worked perfectly. They are larger in diameter.Ronstan joint is the best. But, a bit of line through a ski pole, or golf club handle can be attached to the tiller with a hole drilled in the tiller. Put the line all the way through the pole or club, put a knot in the handle end, drill the tiller, put the line through the tiller and tie off. Cheap and easy, but don't expect it to last long. Alternatively, you could lash any kind of stick to the tiller end in a pinch.
Thanks that's the exact information I needed.I found that the inside diameter of most golf club shafts is too small to fit around the Ronstan universal mount (14mm or 0.55”). However, the inside diameter of the ski poles that I found worked perfectly. They are larger in diameter.
here are some photos with measurements that may help
View attachment 47709
ski pole on top
Golf club shaft on bottom
View attachment 47710
I’m imagining you grilling Fred Flintstone sized steaks where you wouldn’t need a caliper like this, Cactus. I can even imagine you strapping a hibachi to your Minifish or Laser as you sneak off for a secret landing at South Coronado. Do I have that about right?Is that a digital micrometer or measuring gauge? Damn, now I'm jealous... that thing would come in handy for measuring the thickness of the steaks I throw on the BBQ, lol.
You'll need a "heat gun". Boiling water or hair dryers don't get hot enough. Propane torches, although hot enough, require a lot of care to get an even "shrink".There is a pin and a heat shrink material when the universial is inserted in the extension you drill a hole put the pin in and heat shrink it. If you want to change the extension pop the cover slide the extension out. If you buy a new extension it will have the universal installed but not the base and there are different bases.
I recently sold a boat that had a diy golf club shaft tiller extension. I immediately regretted selling that one. I’ll be replacing that ASAP, already have a couple old shafts, now just need the time.Here's a video clip and another of two handed trimming. Would have missed it if I didn't know what to look for. I can see why you need a universal joint as it makes it easier to bring your tiller hand forward in order to belay the rope. Sheesh tiller extensions ain't cheap. If I bought the universal joint, has anyone ever DIY'd the extension itself?
My tiller extension needs are already settled; however, short sections of PVC, suitably prepared and bonded, would make good adapters.I recently sold a boat that had a diy golf club shaft tiller extension. I immediately regretted selling that one. I’ll be replacing that ASAP, already have a couple old shafts, now just need the time. I’ve never done it myself but I’ve heard small diameter pvc can be used as a cheap tiller extension. Really any tube with the right inside diameter should work.
I’m imagining you grilling Fred Flintstone sized steaks where you wouldn’t need a caliper like this, Cactus. I can even imagine you strapping a hibachi to your Minifish or Laser as you sneak off for a secret landing at South Coronado. Do I have that about right?
Would a candle be hot enough?You'll need a "heat gun". Boiling water or hair dryers don't get hot enough. Propane torches, although hot enough, require a lot of care to get an even "shrink".
Heat guns are about $12 at Harbor Freight.
I found that the heat shrink tubing 'shrinks' just fine with a butane lighter.Would a candle be hot enough?
Certainly, but the result is often rough, and wisps of carbon-black can be left on the finished product. (As are accidental tip-overs, burning wax--and candles are often cited as a major risk for devastating house fires).Would a candle be hot enough?