Tiller Extension

[juradog]

Sailing single handed when raising the mainsail to point into the wind can be problematic at times. Can't raise the mainsail and control the rudder at the same time. Can anyone recommend a decent detachable tiller extension? Went on-line but still not sure what to buy.

Thanks

 

[Leeward Rail]

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?search/18010992/&q=tiller+extension&o=date&c[node]=59

Lots of threads discussing options.
I've got a forespar twist lock and it works great (not sure how long it is, since it came with the boat), others have said good things about Ronstan but I haven't used one.

El cheapo DIY version could be a twist lock painting extension. I seem to remember someone post a photo here not long after I bought our boat.

 

[Joe]

Have you tried straddling the tiller, steering with your knees, while you use both hands to tail the halyard without grinding? (assuming your halyard is led aft)

But, in my honest opinion, if you single hand a lot, I highly recommend you invest in a tiller(auto) pilot. The best investment a single hander can make. Not only will it make raising the sail easier, it will make taking it down less of a chore... plus many other benefits such as leaving hands free for sail trimming, or making a sandwich, or taking a leak....

In any event, a tiller extension won't help as much as you think for this task, at least not as much as a tiller locking mechanism, such as the "tiller tamer"....

 

[rpludwig]

went with the Ronstan, Forespar is good too, my "autopilot" is bungees wrapped around the tiller and stretched to opposite stanchions, works ok...

 

[Gene Neill]

But, in my honest opinion, if you single hand a lot, I highly recommend you invest in a tiller(auto) pilot. The best investment a single hander can make. Not only will it make raising the sail easier, it will make taking it down less of a chore... plus many other benefits such as leaving hands free for sail trimming, or making a sandwich, or taking a leak....

In any event, a tiller extension won't help as much as you think for this task, at least not as much as a tiller locking mechanism, such as the "tiller tamer"....

This!

 

[jwing]

I lock my motor in forward, lock the throttle for just enough headway into the wind, then lock my rudder into place with a TillerClutch. Except for an emergency flashlight, I don't need, and won't have, an electrical system on my boat, so no autopilot on my little boat.

 

[Joe]

I lock my motor in forward, lock the throttle for just enough headway into the wind, then lock my rudder into place with a TillerClutch. Except for an emergency flashlight, I don't need, and won't have, an electrical system on my boat, so no autopilot on my little boat.

That's a good method.... but why even mention your aversion to electrical systems?

 

[Jacktar]

Try the davis tiller tamer available on line lots of places or more costly from Catalina Direct. Works like a charm for raising, dowsing sails, pee breaks etc. Less expensive than female crew members. LOL.

 

[jwing]

That's a good method.... but why even mention your aversion to electrical systems?

I like autopilots in cruising boats, but I think that electrical systems in daysailers add unnecessary complexity/expense without commensurate benefit. I would not install additional electricity capacity and an AP in order to raise the sails. If my daysailer already had enough electricity capacity for an AP, I would put an AP on the "Maybe" list, but it would be behind many other items.

When I want to leave the tiller for longer than the tiller clutch will work, I simply heave to.