Tiller extension

[DW29485]

I have an 14' 1969 sears aluminum boat. I need to see how to set up this extension. I have a 1994 Johnson 4hp motor.
Can this be accomplished? (This boat and motor are in great shape),

DW29485

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Tiller extension

Hi DW. Welcome to iboats. Sure, you can make a great little tiller extender by simply using a length of PVC and a couple of pipe clamps. I use the exact same design on my '66 20hp Jonson and it's the best mod I've ever made. You simply find a piece of PVC (I like the the thin-walled variety) with a slightly smaller diameter than the tiller, then you simply cut 3-4 slits in one end, approximately 2'-3' long each. It helps to drill a small hole at the end of each slit to prevent it from possible spreading further up the pipe. You then slide it over the stock tiller and use a small pipe clamp, or two to hold it in place. It makes a world of difference. You'll be able to sit, stand and move around while underway in order to get the most out of your set up. Tiller extenders are very popular down her in FL where folks run the flats and want/need to stand to see where they're going. Of course, they make fancy aluminum and carbon fiber version, but that would be overkill for your motor. I've also made a small PVC attachment for the gear select so I can changing gears using a push/pull lever without having to reach around the motor all the time to do so. You can see it circled in yellow in the pic below. Keep us posted on your progress.

(fancy schmancy)

vs.

(DIY)

 

[jonbellamy]

Re: Tiller extension

+1 to kfa4303's advice. A lot of people here in FL just use pvc, especially those with gheenoes and shallow water skiffs. Cheap and effective.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Tiller extension

Oh yeah, I love my little Flats/Tiller skiff set up. I definitely want to get a Gheenoe next too. I'd love one of the LT models. It's amazing what kid of performance you can get out of the them, even with small motors. Probably the best, most versatile boats on the water pound-for-pound and dollar-for-dollar. Best of all they're made in the USA in Titusville, FL.

 

[jonbellamy]

Re: Tiller extension

I've never seen the gear select pull/push rod like you have on yours. Gonna definitely rig something up on mine now!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Tiller extension

Thanks jon. I love anything DIY. I made the gear select thingy after the tiller extender. I've seen them made out of all sorts of materials. My first one was made out of a wooden dowel, but I've since made it out of PVC so it will never rot. I used all the pre-existing mounting areas/holes as well so I didn't need to drill anything out. Just be sure to use stainless steel hardware so it won't rust on you. Here's a little side shot. It's UGLY, but it works great! I can sit on my cooler in the pic and steer/throttle with the tiller extender and just reach back on my right side to Pull the motor into FWD and/or Push it backwards into REV. It works great, especially at the dock. No more reaching around trying to change gears and nearly falling out of the boat.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Tiller extension

kfa4303,
great mods on the boat and motor. I like the cooler hold down as well. You should share them on tinboats.
jasper

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Tiller extension

Thanks jasper! I check out tinboats a lot. I think I have a post over there some where. Here's a link to another thread here in the forums of some of the various DIY things I've done. Nothing fancy, but they all work like a charm and have held up for several years now.

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...l-noodle-projects-ive-done-lately-528473.html

On the water.



A little vid I made at the local beach. You can kinda see me grab the tiller at the beginning. I shot most of the vid standing up, while leaning against the grab bar, with the camera in one hand and the tiller in the other. Being able to shift my weight forward helps her hop right up on plane in about 5 seconds.

Wakulla Beach, FL movie.wmv - YouTube