1 what is you view on the best material for a tiller extension. I have seen pvc piping, aluminium, and the hobie one which cost about $120A. what are the dangers of the type of material taking into account all safety aspects will be taken into account. The Aluminium weights 600g's your thoughts and views would be most appreciated. the season starts in 3 weeks
2. what about a continous extension
ie secured in the middle of the pole that joines the blades together and the equal lenghts of tiller extension either side obvious it must swivel forward
any help would be great thanks to all that reply
Well I had the same problem and well i talked to the other sailors and they all said the pluses and minuses and well to me i thought th aliminium polles are better because they dont bend why sailing unless its under alot of stress like falling in the water and getting caught but it all so has minuses like once bent you need to come in and bend it back and some are call ed hot sticks. Some people will say they are heavy but thats not all ways the case mine ways the same as pvi piping. Well if you do go for al have a spare in your sail box and make the end air tight so no water can get in to it. Well what ever you do have fun sailing.
From Jules
If you're interested in participating in a class event or competition, then Hobie rules frown on electrically conductive materials for the tiller extensions. I think carbon fiber is also out because of this rule. The standard fiberglass one-piece extension that comes with the boat works pretty good. It gets in the way sometimes but it's simple and affordable.
Mine is store bought, but if you opt to make one out of PVC you will replace it often due to sun damage. The sun will rot (deteriorate) exposed PVC. Just my 2 cents.
YOU MIGHT CONSIDER CPVC INSTEAD. UV DOESN'T DAMAGE IT.
Well when it comes to al i know alot of sailors who use it including Peter Manly who is one of the sailors who sailed in the worlds. But when it comes to PVC or the other one i have no idea but i think they would bend if you push it hard.
Jules