Diy Tiller Extension

[Steve509926]

Reading Jeff Stevens recent update, Excel 435 HD Fitout from scratch, got me thinking about the SIB seats I made for Redneck a couple of years ago:-

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/winter...cts-84986.html

The seats where very comfortable and really eased my back, especially when going slow ie: The Lakes, river estuaries etc however it was really awkward using the tiller so I stopped using the seats. Fast forward to Jeff's thread, and I have decided to resurrect them for a trial using a tiller extension, I'd have to buy an extension, but £30 for a trial? then I remembered willk's suggestion of using a plastic pipe as a tiller extension.

The extension is made up of a short length of 40mm and 32mm solvent weld pipe, a reducer - cut from a 32mm "T", Solvent weld adhesive and a bit of red tape. Easy to make, hopefully effective, and because I had everything in the workshop - cheap.
If you haven't got everything in, it's probably more cost effective to buy a tiller extension, or just use 40mm pipe, but I found that too big for my hand.

[Max...]

How is it secured around the tiller? Certainly in typical UK seas I have found even well tightened tiller extensions work loose. You don't want it coming off at the wrong moment!

A review from a few years back of the typical retail type here:
https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/sib-te...iew-68341.html

[Old seahorse]

Looks good Steve. I use my tiller extension when travelling solo, so can sit further forward for balance. I tend to start off without it fitted, finding it cumbersome when manoeuvring in tight spaces. I then attach it when out on open water. It does take the stain in reaching back, and make it more comfortable.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Max...

How is it secured around the tiller? Certainly in typical UK seas I have found even well tightened tiller extensions work loose. You don't want it coming off at the wrong moment!

A review from a few years back of the typical retail type here:
https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/sib-te...iew-68341.html

Plan on using a jubilee clip, but I don't really intend on using the seats on the sea as I like to be able to react quickly to waves, chop etc. and for some reason my back doesn't ache as much when we are travelling at speed, probably I move about a bit more.
I will only be using it when I'm in The Lakes, on a river or estuary.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Old seahorse

Looks good Steve. I use my tiller extension when travelling solo, so can sit further forward for balance. I tend to start off without it fitted, finding it cumbersome when manoeuvring in tight spaces. I then attach it when out on open water. It does take the stain in reaching back, and make it more comfortable.

Thanks Old Seahorse.

That's what I'm hoping for, less strain reaching back. I'm thinking the extension should be slightly forward of me when I'm sat on the seat.

[Old seahorse]

So far, I’ve only used mine whilst sat on starboard tube, so I’m sitting at an angle. In that position, the tiller extension grip just lies in front of my left hand. I’ve never used the inflatable circular cushion ( think jam doughnut) supplied with my boat, but intend to try the tiller extension whilst using it, as I get uncomfortable after long time on the tube. It would be more secure too in rougher seas, too. I’ve just got the fixed length bar., as boat is only 3 metres.

[smallribber]

Is it worth making one. £24 here. I use mine all the time. Just bought a second one as a spare

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133750611...id=20014394041

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

Is it worth making one. £24 here. I use mine all the time. Just bought a second one as a spare

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133750611...id=20014394041

#1 - "If you haven't got everything in, it's probably more cost effective to buy a tiller extension, or just use 40mm pipe, but I found that too big for my hand."

[willk]

Thanks for the credit ^ Steve509926.

Pains me to say it, but if you hadn't wasted all yer moolah on gearbox oil and unnecessary servicing, you could have afforded two pukka tiller extensions like the Menace...

[Fenlander]

Pukka is stretching it a bit. With those cheapies when you're maxed out one up making 20kts from your 20hp there's only a thin rivet between you and disaster.

I'm really not keen on tiller extensions. I'd only need to reach for mine if Mrs F had been ejected from the forward lookout seat... and ideally I should go round and tow her back to the beach.

[Steve509926]

........."Thanks for the credit ^ Steve509926"

Credit where credit is due willk.

........."I'm really not keen on tiller extensions"

If I'm solo in the SD360 I have never felt the need for an extension, perhaps the trim & balance of the SD360 is just right for me. It's more for when I'm going slow and sat on the seat, I'm hoping it will alleviate back ache.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Reading Jeff Stevens recent update, Excel 435 HD Fitout from scratch, got me thinking about the SIB seats I made for Redneck a couple of years ago:-

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/winter...cts-84986.html

The seats where very comfortable and really eased my back, especially when going slow ie: The Lakes, river estuaries etc however it was really awkward using the tiller so I stopped using the seats. Fast forward to Jeff's thread, and I have decided to resurrect them for a trial using a tiller extension, I'd have to buy an extension, but £30 for a trial? then I remembered willk's suggestion of using a plastic pipe as a tiller extension.

The extension is made up of a short length of 40mm and 32mm solvent weld pipe, a reducer - cut from a 32mm "T", Solvent weld adhesive and a bit of red tape. Easy to make, hopefully effective, and because I had everything in the workshop - cheap.
If you haven't got everything in, it's probably more cost effective to buy a tiller extension, or just use 40mm pipe, but I found that too big for my hand.

great idea Steve get a jubilee clip with the butterfly on it for tightening no need for spanners etc then

[Max...]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Pukka is stretching it a bit. With those cheapies when you're maxed out one up making 20kts from your 20hp there's only a thin rivet between you and disaster.

I'm really not keen on tiller extensions. I'd only need to reach for mine if Mrs F had been ejected from the forward lookout seat... and ideally I should go round and tow her back to the beach.

Hence my mods in the review linked earlier:

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/sib-te...iew-68341.html

Agreed though, for typical wave jumping sessions in the BAT I'd always go RNLI kneeling and no extension.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by willk

Thanks for the credit ^ Steve509926.

Pains me to say it, but if you hadn't wasted all yer moolah on gearbox oil and unnecessary servicing, you could have afforded two pukka tiller extensions like the Menace...

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Pukka is stretching it a bit. With those cheapies when you're maxed out one up making 20kts from your 20hp there's only a thin rivet between you and disaster.

I'm really not keen on tiller extensions. I'd only need to reach for mine if Mrs F had been ejected from the forward lookout seat... and ideally I should go round and tow her back to the beach.

Well it ain't that hard to add a second rivet or more

[Fenlander]

Yes quite... hence Max linking in post 13 his thread from 8yrs ago to do just that.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Yes quite... hence Max linking in post 13 his thread from 8yrs ago to do just that.

So no issues with what you like to call the Cheapies then. I prefer to call them by their proper name which is good value of course

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

So no issues with what you like to call the Cheapies then. I prefer to call them by their proper name which is good value of course

FFS Dennis, give it a rest!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Steve509926

FFS Dennis, give it a rest!

You’ll learn. Rule#2

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

You’ll learn. Rule#2

Since the demise of SR, I thought a new leaf had been turned, a new side had emerged, but alas I could be wrong.