Loose extension tiller

I have a Fiberglass extension tiller on my 16. It slides freely without any resistance. Is it supposed to twist and lock? Is there any kind of resin I can coat the inner sleeve with so i can use it trapped out?

You are correct, if it is a two piece tiller, it should rotate and lock securely. If yours doesn't do that, I don't know what to suggest. I suspect that the assembly is broken somehow. It should not need any sort of coating to make it work.

Many people just use the standard 1 piece tiller, I think it is 84" long. I used an old broom handle for a while...

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

Sounds like you have a “hot-stick” telescoping tiller extension. Get some west epoxy and use a brush to re-coat the inside tube. There’s a “ridge” along the inside tube that makes for the lock on the slightly elliptical outside sleeve. If the ridge is worn down it won’t lock.

This was discussed previously so a search may help.

In the meantime the basics are to use a brush and build up the worn down ridge. I found 2 coats helped rather than one (I had a LOT of runs trying to do it with one). Mine also needed some epoxy on the whole inside tube (not just ridge) because it was in bad shape (lots of worn fibers showing through). Once cured, sand smooth with some 220 then 400 and should be good to go.

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

Of course you can also just replace it with a new Hot Stick... things do just wear out.

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'00 H16 #104691
'78 H16 #32692 ex-rental [gone]
Old Holsclaw trailer
My Hobie 16 pages

If you can find one. I believe the company that made the Hotstick may have gone out of business.

sm

There was a time when they were unavailable, at least in certain sizes. I think we discussed that here. But I did buy a new one after some delay. I remember I got it from KHWS when they were still a dealer but it could be seven years ago now. It would be sad if they were really NLA.

Has anyone used the Ronstan ones?

https://www.ronstan.us/marine5/range.asp?RnID=072

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'00 H16 #104691
'78 H16 #32692 ex-rental [gone]
Old Holsclaw trailer
My Hobie 16 pages