Tiller extension for drifter

ampersat · 02-23-2004, 02:03 PM

So I had my CG HIN inspection this weekend and I'm ready to hit the water with my motor. While I could sit in the very back of the boat to steer, I'd rather sit at the rower's seat. This will require a tiller extension.

From those who know, should I go with a straight extension or one with a U joint in it? The other issue is that forward and reverse are at the motor, not on the handle. I was considering using something like bike brake cable only much sturdier to connect the forward/reverse to the extension. Anybody done this kind of mod? Any advice?

speyfly · 02-23-2004, 02:11 PM

U-joint style will give you many more options that the straight style. Mine, I can either lock it into the straight position or unlock it and have the push pull capability of steering. Hope this helps.

snit · 02-23-2004, 02:17 PM

Yep, get the one with both options. You can "lock it up" or use the u-joint, both have there applications.

reeldick · 02-23-2004, 02:25 PM

Go with the U-Joint. You won't be sorry.

Grantspastor · 02-23-2004, 02:30 PM

U-joint. I usually stand behind the rowing seat while motoring.

Artwo · 02-23-2004, 02:35 PM

Amp,
A couple comments.............

Go with the straight handle, I bought one with the u-joint that you can lock straight and have never used the u-joint position. The sterring with the u-joint is really hard to control. The straight ones are cheaper also.

Also, I found out when using mine from the rowers seat that I didn't have the full range of steering that I needed from that position in the boat. If I had to turn real sharp I had to push the extension arm way over to the side of the boat, very ocward.

I have since moved to the back of the boat and use a 5-gal. bucket to sit on until I can get my new rear seat, much more comfortable to operate.

Just some food for thought.............

ANDYCOHO · 02-23-2004, 02:37 PM

I have a brand new straight extension, that I havn't used (couple of years old).

Send me an E-mail and you can give it a try if you like...

Free of charge of course...

[ 02-23-2004, 03:38 PM: Message edited by: ANDYCOHO ]

wetonwhite · 02-23-2004, 05:02 PM

ampersat: plan on fishing from the back and ues the extention when you are comming and going. that way you can be more in the middel of the boat. them DB's dont come to plane much but every littel bit helps. artwo is right on eather bring BIG frinds, or set in back you just cant move the arm as far as you need to with the extention: good luck out and about this year