Hi all,
while racing recently I pulled out the top of my tiller extension. It happened while I was trapped out, it wasn't much of a problem but it was a bear to get the pulled out end back on while bouncing around on the water!

Guess I need a new one. I sail an Nacra 5.2 solo so I need a bit more freeedom of movement. Ie; I regularly sit right up at the front beam or trap out from just aft of the shrouds. I currently have a 4' to 6' aluminum twist lock extension. No idea about the brand name, but it is nice and thick! I'm looking for a little more length though, if possible.
I have used a Ronstan X-10 on a previous boat and enjoyed that, but that was a mono...
Any good tips? What do you guys use? Would a paint roller stick work?
Thanks, Dennis

I have busted several expensive carbon fiber sticks and now I just put together a "paint stick" that cost $13.95 (plus the Ronstan rubber connector of course). I haven't tried it on the water but it looks like it will work fine. If so, I will prep a spare to keep in the cat box.

Wayne buys 2.5m carbon tube in bulk, distribute them around, and never tell people how much he should be paid for them. Best deal around, a nice extension for the price of a connector

[Note to Wayne: I'm still waiting for that email for how much I owe you for that thing amongst others...]

It's not collapsible, but it is extremely light. Compared to the fiber arriba collapsible stick I have on the 5.2 it is way better.

Have a picture of your set up Jack? Specifically the little connector...

I don't have a picture but we just talked about this a week or so here. That's were I got the idea.

The rubber connector is a standard Ronstan part. You can also use the metal stlyle.

Layline has them. Rick might have them here as well. That reminds me, I have to order a set of Cat Tracks.

^ Thanks, I'll see if I can fine one.

Hi Dennis, i am "in the same boat" currently using a duct taped tiller (would not longer lock.. so i taped it up).

it is an arriba fiberglass expandable. cost $144 (largest size)
many people use ACE or HomeDepot paint sticks but i hear they splinter (or get fiber glass in your hand)

you can look at murrays.com (or here i am sure) to see what is out there.

i used to use the aluminum ones on my h16.. but i broke my last one and have switched to the more solid feeling arribas (cant say they are any better).

my friend uses the carbon/fiberglass combo arriba stick.. it looks and feels nice but is $250? the full carbon one is $350...

I think a bit pricey for a stick

The one I got is aluminum and is nicely anodized.

Of course it is illegal on a Hobie.

ZZZZAAAAP!!!

i couldn't understand why people bashed the collapsible extension untill.... while flying the hull (on video cam) i was hit with a gust, and instead of heading up when i pushed the tiller extension.. it collapsed...

SPLASH!

Its even worse on spin boats while double trapped spin reaching :P Go to bear away and .. kerplunk.

i have found capsizing while flying the spinnaker kind of fun... but then again.. it wasn't my boat. and i didn't get wet... (until i had to jump off the dry hull and help)

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i actually have 2 that both recently both stopped locking.
1 was underway in heavy air so i pulled it apart. a piece went flying overboard so that one is shot.

the taped up one was never separated.. what is your method to repair?

You remove the small section at the base by removing the pin and then the small section will slide off with a little effort(I uses a wood block and the HVH method). Slide the outside off. If you look inside the base of the outside piece you will see that it has been formed to have a high ridge. This is the part that wears so it no longer locks. Use a thin artist paint brush to apply a few layers of epoxy on the ridge(only the ridge). Then reassemble.

cool... thanks for the info

Swimming pool suppliers carry a variety of extendable poles in different materials too (non-zapp). Trim to fit and pin and epoxy in the universal.

I'm told bamboo works wonders.

After breaking 4 all carbon extensions, I've had my current one now for a half a season without a problem.

My 'homemade' paint handle tiller extension, max length is about 6.5 feet, the blue tape is tennis racket stuff. I figure if it is totally worthless I am out 15 bucks, and I'll just break down and buy an Arriba.

Nice job.

You have the best looking 'Tope around.

haha I don't know about that but thanks!