5 dollar DIY tiller extension

I wanted a tiller extension for the 'new' boat, but was rather shocked at the price of buying one when I looked on-line. So, for better or worse, I've decided to take matters into my own hands. After wandering around the local TrueValue for half an hour or so, I think I've come up with an elegant solution. I started with two swivel casters and a poplar dowel.

The square base of the U joint caster was a bit too big for the tiller, so I cut the corners off and drilled new holes on the centerline for screws.


I removed the wheels from the casters by drilling out the axle rivets, and removed the base of the "clamp" caster entirely. I rounded the ends of the dowel and drilled a hole for a new axle bolt. I've mounted it in preexisting holes on the tiller from an old stick.


I may move the position slightly once I test it out, and may shorten the dowel as well if necessary. Right now the dowel is getting varnished. I'll post again once it's all done and I get a chance to test it out.
I'd appreciate any feedback on the design, potential flaws, etc. that anyone would care to give.

The square base of the U joint caster was a bit too big for the tiller, so I cut the corners off and drilled new holes on the centerline for screws.


I removed the wheels from the casters by drilling out the axle rivets, and removed the base of the "clamp" caster entirely. I rounded the ends of the dowel and drilled a hole for a new axle bolt. I've mounted it in preexisting holes on the tiller from an old stick.


I may move the position slightly once I test it out, and may shorten the dowel as well if necessary. Right now the dowel is getting varnished. I'll post again once it's all done and I get a chance to test it out.
I'd appreciate any feedback on the design, potential flaws, etc. that anyone would care to give.