Hi, Folks,
I've been looking through the site for ideas related to tiller extensions but am not quite finding what I'm looking for. I've been really frustrated recently with my extension because it only pivots from left to right and often is too long to get out of the mainsheet when tacking. I have thought about a more universal joint that gives you another axis, but that still seems limiting.
Recently my son bought a Sunfish that came with a Ronstan battlestick. It uses a piece of very durable urethane rubber as the joint which affords movement of the extension in any conceivable direction. I thought it looked cool, but wondered how durable it could be--you know, when's that thing going to snap. Then I noticed that the tiller extension on the Flying Scot I crew on was of the same make and material--just bigger. So I thought I'd look into one for the DS but found them rather pricey
So, I wonder--why couldn't I just buy the joint and use it with my existing "broom handle" extension? I'm guessing the answer is "no", but has anyone tried this, or does anyone have a better idea? What have you guys done to avoid running into the sheet with your extensions? I sometimes make a tack and then have to actually steet away for a few seconds so as to articulate the joint passed the sheet. Bothersome.