DIY Auto Tiller Extension

While I don’t think using hose/tubing for an extension is new, the addition of a dowel inside the tubing makes for a stronger pin receiver coupling and extends the length limit. This entire project can be completed in 10 minutes if all the required materials and tools are available.

Extension Length

To determine the extension length required, we need to first identify the recommended distance from the tiller center to the mounting point. The user manual for your Auto Tiller should provide this information. Raymarine specifies 589 mm (23.2 in) for their ST1000 and ST2000 models. (Pictured left) Now measure the distance from the tiller pin position to your desired mounting point. Deduct the recommended distance from your measurement to find the extension length.

If no recommended distance is available, simply extend your auto tiller to half it’s full length. Center the tiller and measure the distance from the tiller pin to your desired mounting point. Deduct the half length of the Auto Tiller mentioned above to establish the required DIY Auto Tiller Extension length.

Assembly

Time for the fun part. Find a piece of reinforced tubing that fits snugly over your Auto Tiller’s rod. Fuel lines are excellent, but a mesh reinforced hose as used here will work in a pinch. Cut a piece approximately 3 inches longer than the required extension length.

Insert a tight fitting dowel leaving about two inches of hose as pictured right. Cut (saw) the dowel at the end of the piece of hose/tubing. (pictured below) Secure the hose over the Auto Tiller rod end with a hose clamp and repeat to secure the dowel in place as well. (Pictured right)

Check the size of the pin for the tiller and drill an appropriate hole through the hose and dowel at the end point of the extension length. (Pictured left)

Sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and admire the marvel of engineering and product design that has come to be at your own making. While you’re at it, look up the cost for an extension from the manufacturer. They start at around $50 and in my case two would have been required.

Notes

Ensure to insert the dowel slower as you get close to the intended end point. While it’s increasingly harder work the further it gets into the hose, attempting to pull it back out is even harder. I used a regular dowel from the hardware store. A teak or plastic ditto would likely be a wiser choice.