I have bought a Hobie 16, but alas, it is missing the tiller extension. I work with wood, and have some that I think I can shape into an extension, but I need to know the length of the arm.
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<br>I am looking at purchasing one, but would like to get into the water before the two week wait to receive the extension.
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<br>Could someone tell me how long the arm is?
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<br>Thanks,
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<br>Gazmuth<br><br>

An easy intermediate tiller extension might be fashioned from a telescoping paint or light bulb changing handle available at most hardware stores.<br><br>Keith Chapman, Annapolis, Md.
<br>H-18
<br>Northstar 500 (monoslug)
<br>WRCRA - www.wrcra.org

I fashoned one out of a piece of conduit. (the kind that is just a little rubbery) I stuck a champaign cork in the flared end, and with epoxy and scrap metal created a spinning "U" connector for the other end. It's not expandable but for 85 cents I can't complain about its usefulness on my H14. I have expandables for my H16 but they cost from $40 to $80. I am glad they came with the used boat.
<br> I would not use wood because if it broke it could be dangerous. If you are on the trapeze wire then an expandable would almost be a must.
<br> The homemade one on my 14 is about 4 and a half feet, which works fine for the 14. For your 16, I would just sit about where you normally pilot from and measure what size stick would fit best. Don't get it too long or it may start getting in your way.<br><br>

If you are going to fashion one that is not telescoping, then, with your helm in a neutral position, measure the distance between the centre attachment point on the tiller crossbar and the shrouds. This will give you as long an arm as possible for moving around the boat, yet not so long that it can get inadvertently hung up on a shroud when you are turning the boat.
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<br>Cheers!<br><br>

i have made a couple from bamboo, they were wonderfully light and bouyant. i made them about 90" long so i could trapeze. the pinned end was reinforced with a 5/8" aluminum tube sleeve about 10" long. <br><br>