Barton Marine launches new carbon tiller extensions

British deck equipment manufacturer Barton Marine has launched a new range of strong, lightweight and colourful carbon tiller extensions suitable for all dinghy types.

Said to be a leap up from previous generations, the new extensions are available in a choice of bold florescent colours, with the option to custom order special colours to fit a sailor’s passion or a team colour.

Stock colours include laser blue, ruby red, black with gold weave and hot pink. The extensions are available in lengths of 975mm, 1250mm and 2500mm with a standard 22mm diameter to suit any class of dinghy. They are Laser and ILCA class legal and ideal for Scorpion, RS Aero, Blaze, National 12, Hadron H2, Musto Skiff, 49ers and almost every other dinghy class.

Barton Marine will be distributing these robust tiller extensions worldwide through their partnership with carbon fibre manufacturer CF by LandL, which uses an advanced carbon fibre construction process that double bonds the unique grip directly into the carbon fibre finish.

The grip runs almost the entire length of the extension starting 20cm from the universal joint and has been optimised to provide secure handling of the tiller while not shredding hands, gloves or the dinghy itself.

“We are excited about our new range of UK-made carbon tiller extensions,” says Suzanne Blaustone, Barton Marine CEO. “Sailing is all about having fun, so the equipment we use on the water should reflect that. With brilliant colours merged with this innovative high-performance technology, we feel the optimal balance is achieved. The tillers have been out on the water for testing on a wide range of classes, and we’ve only had great positive response.”

The three standard tillers lengths weigh 200g for the 975mm, 262g for the 1250mm and 500g for the 2500mm. The universal joint is held in place using a torx screw to enable it to be swapped out for a dinghy-specific unit or to allow for maintenance. The extensions will be available from September, and RRPs range from £119 to £280.

Launch events are being held at Southampton Boat Show in the UK (stand J316), Newport Boat Show in the US (stand B22) followed by the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, before the launch at METSTRADE to the global marketplace in November.