Outboard tiller review-by microskiff.com

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Written by Administrator Wednesday, 02 June 2010 15:26

Extending the Possibilites
Simple in form, diverse in function, today’s tiller-based skiffs are the essence of uncomplicated fishing. A hull, motor and gear are all that’s needed to explore the shallows of your home port or those far away. Yet as any angler and outdoorsmen will attest, a modification or two always seems to find its way onto the simplest of skiffs.

One modification is a tiller extension. Designed to help better balance the weight distribution of a skiff and in some cases help plane the skiff off faster. Additionally, allowing for a wider variety of positions from which to operate the skiff. Whether a home brew, made from scrap PVC pipe and some hose clamps, or one of a growing number of examples made from super light carbon fiber to super strong aluminum, the choices are plenty.

As with any product made in this modern litigious atmosphere, caution and due care is always recommended. There is no substitute for knowledge and experience. Microskiff.com recommends that a PFD and the safety lanyard are always worn while operating a tiller based skiff, with or without a tiller extension. Always read and follow the manufacturers instructions.

Here are some great tiller options for you and your skiff in no particular order:

CARBON MARINE'S TILLER PILLER

Carbon Marine’s TillerPiller, according to the manufacturer, is the most popular tiller-handle extension for OEM boat-builders, used by professionals from the lower Keys to Alaska.

The TillerPiller is the lightest tiller extension that we tested at 0.6 lbs for our 36” long test model. Starting with aerospace carbon fiber and epoxy, then built to order based on the customers’ make and model of outboard. Lifetime structural warranty and an upgrade/exchange replacement program if you change motor types in the future.

Installation is simple, with two thumb screws taking just seconds to install and requires no tools. A plus when traveling and security is a concern. Available in clear-coated carbon fiber, or painted with Awlgrip to match any color (custom color match upgrade: $35).

To keep the tiller extension as light as possible the hand grip area is not padded. Instead an epoxy encapsulated grit formed the grip area at the end of the extension. Compared to all of our test models, the grip on the TillerPiller was the most aggressive and sure handed. Though we found a good pair of fishing gloves made long runs more comfortable.

The TillerPiller transmitted more vibration to the operators’ hand than other test models. We attribute this to the inherent stiffness of carbon fiber combined with its lack of mass. However, the light weight put the least amount of stress on the factory handle mechanism. And when the handle was tilted up, it didn’t creep or fall back down.

The TillerPiller receives high marks for space age materials, style and low weight.

Price as tested: $165 – 36”

Company Contact Info:
Carbon Marine
Joe Welbourn
4712 N. Clark Ave, Suite C,
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 928-9887
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carbonmarine.com

Strongarm Products Tiller Extension

If professional baseball allowed aluminum bats, the Strongarm tiller might replace the Louisville Slugger®. Made from aircraft quality aluminum, in lengths from 12 to 42 inches. Choices of finish include matte black or a brushed aluminum and designed for any model motor, up to 25 hp with a base tiller handle of 1" in diameter. Also available with an optional electrical shut off switch.

Installation took the longest and required the most tools with the optional electric kill switch and twin bolts, but once installed it looked and felt like an integral part of the outboard. Instructions supplied with the kit were very thorough. The electric kill switch does require some wiring and we suggest if you're not comfortable making waterproof marine connections, seeking professional assistance.

Once installed, the Strongarm Tiller Extension felt solid and durable. The grip was the most comfortable of all the tillers we tested, vibration was minimal. However tipping the scales at 2.4 lbs the Strongarm Tiller was the heaviest of all the models we tested. Due to its weight, the tiller arm needed help to stay in the upright position.

According to Mr. Reeves “I designed my tiller extension to be safe as well as durable, safety on the water is a serious issue and should not be taken for granted…we offer a full one year warranty on workmanship or assembly” The optional electric kill switch is a great addition that we feel everyone should have at their finger tips.

Price as tested: $129.99 - 36" matte black finish with optional kill switch.

Company Contact Info:
Strongarm Products
Bob Reeves
28400 SW 161st Ave
Homestead, Fl. 33033
(305)-298-9529
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Strongarm-products.com

G2O Marine Tiller Extension

 A last minute entry in our review this tiller was not included in the first photo shoot. Testing however was just as thourough. G2O Marine’s Tiller Extension is made from anodized aluminum, available in lengths from 16 up to 36 inches. Designed to fit all small outboards and can be ordered with optional powder coating. The extension has a high quality, non-slip, dense foam handle and is easily removable for storage or security while traveling. Installation is quick and simple with twin hose clamps and minimal tools. We would like to see a set of hose clamp end guards included with the kit to protect the sharp ends of the clamp.

Simple installation, good quality build, comfortable and no frills got our thumbs up. Style though, was a little bland. The two-piece construction felt solid and the foam handle had plenty of padding to easily soak up vibration transmitted through the tiller. Their 30 inch long tiller weighed 1.4 pounds. Putting it in the middle of the pack for weight though it was 6 shorter than our other models tested.

Price as tested: $80.00 – 30”

Company Contact Info:
G2O MARINE
Greg Levinski
7007 Jasmin Dr.
New Port Richey, Fl. 34652
727 505 4709
greg@g2omarine.com

Shallow Water Solutions’ “Tuff-tiller”

When we put out the invitation for our tiller extension review, we didn’t receive one, but three sample tillers from Shallow Water Solutions. Called the Tuff-tiller, this extension includes a simple but elegant kill switch design. If the outboard is equipped from the factory with a kill switch button at the end of the handle, the Tuff-tiller has a linkage mechanism, through the tiller shaft, that depresses the kill button on the outboards' twist grip. Our sample tillers had this linkage positioned in two different places. We found the model with the linkage at the fore end of the grip, the most natural to use. If the outboard does not have this option, the Tuff-tiller comes without a kill switch linkage, at a substantial savings.

Made from rugged PVC construction and available in “any length”, according to Mr. Caverly, the Tuff-tiller also features a tear resistant vinyl grip and is made with corrosion resistant materials. A flared boot tip helps to retain the clamps when not in use on the outboard. However we would like to see hose clamp end guards included with the kit to cover the sharp ends of the clamps.

Installation was simple, yet care is needed to ensure the kill switch mechanism is properly aligned with the outboard's handle kill switch. We also had to double check the tightness of the clamps to ensure that the tiller would not slip forward, causing a misalignment with the kill switch.

The tiller exhibited more flex than other models, but only under extreme conditions. Vibration dampening was good due to its mass and comfortable grip. At 1.8 pounds the 40” Tuff-tiller with the kill switch linkage, was the second heaviest model. Remove the linkage and the weight comes in mid group at 1.4 pounds.

Overall the Tuff-tiller receives high marks for innovative design and budget price.

Price as tested: $60.00 - with “kill" button mechanism and standard black satin finish up to 48”. $ 30.00  - standard extension (no-mechanism)

Company Contact Info:
Shallow Water Solutions
Pat Caverly
Tampa,Fl.
813-242-4971
patjulcav@gmail.com
Tuff-tiller.com

Ironwood Pacific Outdoors HelmsMate

Sold in many major retailers the HelmsMate by Ironwood Pacific Outdoors is a popular tiller extension for small outboards under 15HP and electric trolling motors. Specifically designed for slow or trolling speeds only, our test model HelmsMate “Straight” was extendable from 36” to 50”. Starting with an anodized aluminum shaft, Ironwood Pacific incorporates a lock system consisting of a spring loaded metal button that locks into one of a series of holes in the outer shaft. Making the extension adjustable in 2 1/2" increments. To attach the tiller extension to an outboard or trolling motor, a marine grade nylon clamp with a removable inner rubber sleeve is fitted to the base of the shaft. The HelmsMate comes with a lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.

At 1 pound the HelmsMate was the second lightest tiller extension we tested. The dense foam grip was comfortable. Installation was quick and required no tools. The extendability of the tiller allowed for quick and easy adaptation to our seat position. Overall construction is good, however not as solid as our other test models. One advantage it has over its competitors is the ability to go from the outboard to electric trolling motor without any modifications or fuss.

The HelmsMate came with a specific warning about the scope of use that Ironwood warranties for their product. According to a company representative “It is possible to oversteer with a tiller extension handle when traveling at speed, causing the boat occupants to lose balance and fall into the water. To prevent this occurrence Ironwood Pacific Outdoors recommends traveling at trolling speeds when using a HelmsMate extension handle.”

While the HelmsMate is limited in its use on an outboard, it's multi position extension and ability to transfer it to an electric trolling motor is very nice.

Price as tested: $35.95 for S model (extendable from 36” to 51”) - $21.95 for the 30” fixed model

Fine retailers throughout North America sell ironwood Pacific Outdoors’ marine accessories.
http://www.ironwoodpacific.com

 Available at:
Bass Pro Shops
Cabela’s
Joe’s
Sportsman’s Warehouse
Fisherman’s Marine Supply
Academy Sports and Outdoor
West Marine
Bob's Merchandise
And Numerous Local Dealers