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
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
EDIT: added pricing
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