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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Tiller Extension

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/19/2006 : 08:50:53

I am considering a tiller extension for our C25 and was wondering how many of you have them? We have a 1985 C25 and I find myself more in the cockpit seat than on the rail since the main sheets are at the end of the boom. I have looked that the Forespar brand and would probably end up buying one of theirs if I go ahead. Also if the traveler were on the cabin roof or forward, I would believe the extension would be of great value. Just not so sure with both the sheets and traveler at the transom.

Mike
Grand Lake, OK
N.O. Catalina 25 #4849
In my opinion 75% of the earth is water for a reason. That's why I sail.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2006 : 09:37:44

I used a Forespar a lot on my other boats, on my Catalina 25s I use it very little. Our cockpit is just too narrow and the coamings are not great places to sit.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2006 : 09:50:41

If I am on a starboard tac, I sit all the way back on a blue cushion chair, and with my arm proped up on the combing, using my Forespar extention, steer with my left hand. It is very comfortable and when I need power assist, I grab the tiller with my right hand. Cheers.

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2006 : 16:13:37

I do not know what make my tiller extension is but I do use it quite a bit, mostly when motoring or in lighter air. It is the telescopic kind with the push-button release. When I sit in the pulpit seats it works pretty good. When it is real windy I stay inboard and use the tiller.

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 09:36:14

The reason that I put this question out there is because I am looking at it like Frank does. It seems to me that the cockpit is rather narrow and that by adding a tiller extension, I would just crowd the cockpit when it is in use. We have a 1985 C25 that does not have pulpit seats so I would only use it if I were sitting on the rail. Also should add that we have a tiller tamer for locking the tiller, but it really doesn't come into play.

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 10:36:34

Mike, I have found that the forspar Tiller Extention is the best product out there, It can be easily removed if its in the way, and they sell an aftermarket clip that will hold it down to the tiller. Also they sell a box that you install in the fiberglass seat back that will hold the boat on coarse (like the tiller tamer). On our boat the extention comes into play when we just want to sit back and relax, when racing I like to have the tiller in hand for the feel of the boat.

Did you all ever take the boat out yet?

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 10:50:40

Thanks Chris, We are planning on taking her out on Sunday. Not sure if we will or not. High is supposed to be 59 with a windchill. My son bought me season tickets to OU football, so I have been running back and forth to Norman on home games. I am really itching to try out the furler so we may go out no matter how cold it gets. We just have to layer on the clothes.

I did see the option for the tiller extension lock and if it get the extension, would probably opt for the lock as well. The tamer works pretty well, but a secondary option is not out of the question.

Edited by - cat1951 on 10/20/2006 10:52:11

Heartbeat
Navigator

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USA
161 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2006 : 15:18:30

I use the forespar, and almost strictly for racing.

When not racing, it stays in the locker. As others have mentioned, the cockpit is thin and gets crowded quickly. I have one of the boxes, and it is nice when anchoring (or whatever) to have a place to lock down the helm.

For racing, the ideal weight placement is with the captain against the cabin combing, and everyone else forward. You don't get there without an extension.

-Matt

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2006 : 20:46:34

I use my forespar tiller extension as much as possible. It allows me to get seated on the combing to help with balance.
I've got the recessed holder on the port side, which acts as a tiller tamer. Allows me to go forward while singlehanded.

I tend to move aft and use the tiller sparingly when racing.

This past weekend, it was cold and very windy, I used the tiller extension so that I could sit in the cabin on the middle step, out of the elements. I guess you could say this was the poor man's dodger. It did allow me to stay out on the water all day while single-handing.
I also broke it on the weekend. Saw one in the marina store for $149.00. Yikes!

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2006 : 22:21:49

We have the tiller extender with the rubber mount on the Catalina. I am not a big fan of it. I beleive it is a ronstan battlestik, but I am not 100% positive.

This is what we use on the evelyn 32 and I will be switching the Wasp extension out this winter to one of these.

[url="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000011907258"]Click Here to be taken to West Marine to see this product[/url]

Edited by - Champipple on 10/24/2006 22:26:24

cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2006 : 14:20:10

Thanks everyone, I will give thought to all of your comments. If I decide to use the extension, it will be added to my "things to purchase" list. It won't be at the top, but close.

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2006 : 14:33:18

I have a tiller extension on <i>osmepneo</i> and added it because I often do much of the stuff that needs doing and found it be an asset. I also think weight distribution is important, even our boats, so when I want weight forward, the tiller extension makes it easier for me. Likewise when I want the weight back. I will sit on the rail, and lean back into the life lines. Its fairly comfortable.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.