Introducing the New TillerBuddy™ Wireless Tiller Handle
Introducing the New TillerBuddy™ Wireless Tiller Handle
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The TillerBuddy™ Wireless Handle is the world's first wireless tiller-incorporated control system, designed specifically for the narrowboat community to bring safety, comfort, and control directly to your fingertips.
Originally designed to incorporate the horn for instant, safer signalling, the TillerBuddy™ concept will soon offer optional upgrades including a heated handle and music controls accompanied by tillerbuddys own bluetooth speaker.
Every TillerBuddy™ handle is born right here on the water and invented by Benjamin Donnaghue in 2025 - Founder of BoatyBuoyBoats (www.boatybuoy.boat).
Boating demands attention — especially at blind bends, tight locks, tunnels, and narrow stretches.
Yet the horn — a critical safety tool — usually sits somewhere you aren’t looking, aren’t holding, and can’t reach without letting go.
The TillerBuddy™ Wireless Handle puts the horn exactly where instinct expects it:
under your thumb, on the tiller.
A subtle press, no searching, no hesitation — and your other hand stays free to work the throttle.
Less scrambling. More control. Safer boating
Why It Exists
Even the most confident boaters have had that moment:
• Eyes forward, steering through a blind bend
• One hand on the tiller, the other steadying near the throttle
• Someone appears suddenly
• Your hand darts toward the control panel… somewhere
• By the time the horn sounds, the boats have already met
Not panic — just a human limit.
TillerBuddy removes the scramble.
Thumb press → horn sounds → you stay in command.
The Wireless Handle
Thoughtfully engineered for real waterways
• Ergonomic rigid tiller handle upgrade
• Thumb-position horn switch — natural reach, glove-friendly
• Wireless sealed transmitter inside
• Marine-grade stainless mounting stem
• USB-C charging (annual top-up typical)
• Weather-resistant, vibration-damped construction
• Zero extra cabling down the tiller
Feels like a premium tiller handle.
Acts like the control panel finally caught up with boaters.
Why It Matters
TillerBuddy isn’t about gadgets, or novelty — it’s about:
• Staying steady on the tiller
• Keeping throttle control ready
• Giving warning without taking your eyes or hands away
• Making waterways calmer and collisions rarer
It’s confidence, designed into the handle you already rely on.
Craftsmanship and The Maker
Handmade, Engineer-Designed
Every TillerBuddy™ handle is born right here on the water and invented by BoatyBuoyBoats ( www.boatybuoy.boats ) founder Benjamin Donnaghue in 2025 — The TillerBuddy is individually handmade to order from my narrowboat home. This is not a mass-produced gadget; it's a dedication to the traditional boating lifestyle paired with modern safety.
My background as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer is what directly influenced this invention, ensuring that the intuitive design is backed by robust, professionally-engineered wireless technology.
When you purchase a TillerBuddy, you're getting a unique, quality accessory crafted by a fellow boater who understands exactly what life on the tiller demands, and engineered for reliability.
The Receiver Module — Plug, Clip, Go
The smart part: installation any boater can do without tools or rewiring knowledge.
3-wire simplicity.
1 wire: Piggyback spade connector onto one side of existing horn button.
Original horn button still works — nothing lost.
2 wires: To 12V supply (battery or fused panel).
Power for wireless receiver and handle charger dock.
No cutting.
No modifying the boat.
No rewiring the horn circuit.
You literally clip on, plug in, and the original button still functions.
The whole system piggybacks the horn you already trust.
A boat electrician isn’t required — a boater’s common sense is plenty.
NEW
NEW
We're thrilled to unveil an incredible new option for TillerBuddy™, making instant horn control more accessible than ever before: introducing the TillerBuddy™ Wireless Horn Kit!
Have you ever wished for modern horn control but been put off by wiring?
Is your original horn not working?
Are you unsure about tackling your boat's electrics?
Or maybe your boat doesn't even have a horn installed?
We heard you! This revolutionary kit is designed for complete peace of mind, eliminating all wiring worries:
Simply slot your TillerBuddy handle into place. Magnetically position the sleek, wooden horn unit anywhere on your steel boat. Job done! Both units are rechargeable via USB-C.
Experience instant, thumb-activated horn control that feels completely natural, without touching a single wire. It’s perfect for ensuring safe passage through blind bends, locks, and tunnels, regardless of your boat’s existing setup.
Why it works: The TillerBuddy Wireless Horn Kit comes with its own powerful, integrated horn and receiver. Just charge it up, attach it magnetically, and your tiller handle wirelessly activates it. No fuss, no electricians, no missing essential safety.
Navigate with Comfort, Control, and unmatched simplicity.
Power & Battery
Power & Battery
Battery Type: Rechargeable 12V lithium-ion cell Capacity: 3000 mAh Charging: Via included external charger (connects to standard 230V UK mains) Standby Life: Estimated several months under typical standby/usage conditions
Acoustics & Mount
Acoustics & Mount
Horn Type: High-output electric horn Loudness (115 Decibels): Designed to meet or exceed standard inland waterway horn requirements Mounting: Integrated powerful magnetic base for instant, secure attachment to any steel surface
Dimensions & Build
Dimensions & Build
Casing: Handmade wood cylinder Length: 6 inches Diameter: Matches the size of a typical 12V standard horn Wireless Type: RF receiver paired exclusively with the TillerBuddy handle
CHOOSE YOUR OPTION
CHOOSE YOUR OPTION
Wireless Tiller Handle + Reciever
This kit is designed for boaters who have a working 12V horn circuit and want to integrate the TillerBuddy seamlessly with their existing system:
Wireless TillerBuddy Handle (The core tiller handle with the thumb-activated transmitter)
3-Wire Receiver Module with Piggyback Clips (The unit that taps into your existing horn circuit)
USB-C Charging Cable (For recharging the tiller handle)
Handle Mounting Hardware (For securing the handle to the existing tiller shaft)
Quick-Pair and Installation Guide (For simple, plug-and-play setup)
Made to order - Hand Crafted
Made to order - Hand Crafted
£189.00 Free postage included.
Wireless Horn Kit
This kit includes everything needed to use the horn system without touching your boat's existing wiring:
Wireless TillerBuddy Handle (The core tiller handle with the thumb-activated transmitter)
Magnetic-Mount Wireless Horn Unit (The sleek, rechargeable, integrated horn/receiver)
USB-C Cable (Used for charging both the handle and the horn unit)
Mounting Hardware (For securing the handle to the tiller shaft)
Quick-Pair Guide (For initial setup)
Made to order - Hand Crafted
Made to order - Hand Crafted
£269.00 Free postage included.
Pick your colour
Pick your colour
Choose from 8 beautiful stains. We will apply 4 coats in total for deep penetration finished off with 2 coats of marine grade varnish for that beautiful gloss finish providing lasting protection.
Pay Now - Pay Later:
I handcraft the TillerBuddy with dedication, and I base my business on trust in the waterways community, escaping the "rat race" mentality. You have two ways to proceed:
Pay Now: Complete your order below and I'll get straight to work preparing your TillerBuddy.
Pay Later (14-Day Guarantee): If you prefer to reserve payment until you are satisfied, close this window and contact me directly on the contact links below, I will arrange delivery, and you will have 14 days after receipt to return the product or complete your payment.
⚠️ Important Note on Trust:
This pay-later offer is built on mutual respect and my personal ethics. To ensure this generosity isn't abused, all direct delivery requests will require necessary verification checks to assure the order's authenticity. Please do not feel insulted if I ask further security questions. This is simply a measure I take to protect my hard work and maintain the ethical standard of this offer for everyone in the community. Support small businesses, be part of a positive change. Dont abuse good nature!
TillerBuddy: Pre-sales and After-sales Care
At TillerBuddy, we believe trust is just as important as the quality of the product. When you're buying an innovative tool for your boat, you deserve to speak directly to the person who knows it best—the inventor.
That’s why our customer care is designed to be personal, reliable, and entirely human.
Ready to Connect?
Contact us for Pre-Sale Advice or Immediate After-Sale Support:
(Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
NEW - Currently is the design phase
Originally designed to incorporate the horn for instant, safer signalling, the TillerBuddy™ concept will soon offer optional upgrades currently being designed and engineered by the boaters for the boaters:
The Heated Handle:
Designed for ultimate comfort on chilly days, this option integrates a heating element to keep your hands wonderfully warm. (Rest assured, I've carefully considered the wood's ignition temperature and incorporated precision temperature cut-out sensors and protective fusing to ensure absolute safety.)
Integrated Audio Controls:
Keep your hands steady on the tiller while effortlessly muting, adjusting volume, or skipping tracks on your Bluetooth speaker, turning your journey into pure enjoyment.
Specifications – TillerBuddy™
Power & Battery
• Battery type: Rechargeable CR123A‑format lithium cell (nominal ~3 V)
• Estimated lifespan: Up to 1 year under typical standby/usage conditions
• Charging: Via USB‑C cable (included)
• Typical full charge time: Approximately 100 minutes (under 2 hours)
• Self‑discharge: Very low dormancy drain; designed for long‑term standby inside sealed handle
Weight & Dimensions
• Designed handle weight: Approximately 0.4 kg to 1.0 kg depending on chosen design and wood species
• 6” Length x 2.23” Diameter.
• Note: The internal electronics are engineered so the net mass feels like a standard wooden handle; the balance and feel of the tiller are unaffected
Wireless Communication
• Wireless type: RF (single‑channel transmitter + receiver) for 12 V horn circuit control
• Effective range: Up to ~10‑15 m (far exceeds typical 1‑2 m requirement from tiller to helm panel)
• Reliability: Simple pairing protocol; designed for minimal interference in narrow‑boat helm environment
Environmental & Build Quality
• Housing & mounting: Electronics embedded inside varnished ash or oak tiller handle
• Sealing: Marine‑grade silicone seals electronics; marine‑grade stainless steel buttons and fasteners resist corrosion
• Ingress protection: Designed to meet or exceed IP67 (dust-tight; immersion up to 1 m for 30 min) — suitable for spray, wash‑down, and outdoor conditions
• Operating environment: Freshwater canals/river use; ambient temperature range approx. ‑10 °C to +50 °C
• Corrosion resistance: Exposed metal parts 316‑grade stainless steel; internal electronics conformally coated and vibration-resistant
Electrical / Compatibility
• Supply voltage: 12 V DC only (designed for narrow‑boat systems)
• Intended vessel type: Narrow‑boat tiller‑steered craft
• Compatibility: Works with standard 12 V horn circuits; does not natively support 24 V systems
• Optional accessory: For 24 V systems, please purchase our 24 V→12 V dropdown converter separately
• Power consumption: Ultra‑low standby draw (< 10 µA typical); active draw only on button‑press
Physical / Installation Specs
• Handle size: Fits typical narrow‑boat tiller handles — hardwood cylindrical diameter approx. 32‑35 mm (1 ¼″–1 ⅜″), length approx. 300‑400 mm
• Installation: Plug‑and-play — simply push the TillerBuddy™ handle onto the existing tiller shaft; no drilling or wiring required
• Receiver module: Separate mounting kit included for 12 V horn circuit receiver module
• Button placement: Ergonomically under thumb, on top of tiller handle, allowing full tiller control while activating horn
Safety & Reliability Features
• Fail‑safe: Original horn circuit remains functional via receiver bypass; if RF link or battery fails, standard horn operation still works
• Materials: Timber handle body (ash or oak), marine‑grade stainless steel buttons/fasteners, sealed electronics — built to withstand vibration, humidity, and normal narrow‑boat wear
• Quality control: Each unit tested for horn activation, RF range, and water ingress
• Installation safety note: Ensure receiver module is firmly mounted and wiring is clear of moving parts; handle installation is snug-fit for secure operation.
TillerBuddy™ 14-Day Right to Cancel (UK cooling-off period)
As required by UK consumer law for online and distance selling, we provide a 14-day Right to Cancel.
• 14 days from the day after receipt to notify cancellation
• Then 14 days to return the unused product in original packaging
• Full refund of purchase price + standard shipping
This right is separate from the product guarantee for faulty items.
Compliance & Responsible Manufacturing
TillerBuddy™ is engineered for reliability and compliance with key UK standards.
UKCA Certified
Conforms to UK electrical and radio standards, including:
• Radio Equipment Regulations 2017
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
Declaration of Conformity available on request.
WEEE Compliance
TillerBuddy™ follows UK regulations for end-of-life electronics.
Do not dispose in household waste.
End-of-Life Return & Recycling Programme
Choose a responsible disposal option:
Option 1 — Free:
Take your TillerBuddy to any designated WEEE recycling facility. This ensures the product is processed safely and in full compliance with environmental standards.
Option 2 — Recommended:
Send your TillerBuddy back to us and we will reimburse you £25 as a thank-you for helping us recycle responsibly.
When returned, the internal electronics are safely removed and recycled, while the durable hardwood handle is refinished and reused.
By returning your unit, you help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and support a sustainable circular economy for boaters — protecting the waterways we all cherish.
TillerBuddy™ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the TillerBuddy™ and what makes it unique?
A: The TillerBuddy™ Wireless TillerHandle is a premium, engineer-designed upgrade that revolutionizes tiller steering safety on narrowboats and inland waterway craft. It places the critical horn control button directly under your thumb on the tiller handle, eliminating the need to let go of the tiller or throttle to find a dash button.
The TillerBuddy was invented by BoatyBuoyBoats founder Benjamin Donnaghue in 2025.
The world's first wireless tiller-incorporated horn system, designed for safer, calmer narrowboat steering.
Q. Which TillerBuddy kit should I choose?
A: We offer two distinct TillerBuddy kits to ensure every boat can benefit, regardless of its current wiring setup:
Option 1: TillerBuddy + Receiver Module (The Wiring Upgrade): Ideal if your boat has a working \mathbf{12\,\text{V}} horn circuit. The module wires into your existing horn circuit, allowing both the original dash button and the TillerBuddy to work seamlessly. This is the best choice if you already have a functional horn.
Option 2: TillerBuddy + Wireless Horn Kit (The Zero-Wiring Solution): Perfect if your boat has no horn, a faulty horn, or you prefer absolute zero wiring hassle. This kit includes a powerful, rechargeable horn unit that features a magnetic base for instant, no-drill mounting anywhere on your steel boat.
Q. How does the handle attach, and will it slip while steering?
A: The TillerBuddy handle is engineered to slide onto the standard narrowboat tiller arm (typically 1 ¼ inches or approximately 32 mm diameter).
While the fit is tight, for a guaranteed non-slip, vibration-damped connection, we strongly recommend using a simple layer of liquid rubber coating or friction tape on the metal tiller arm before installation. This simple step ensures the handle remains snug and secure during the demanding canal situations you face.
Q. What is the battery life, and how do I charge the handle?
A: The TillerBuddy handle is designed for maximum efficiency. Under typical usage conditions, the internal lithium cell battery has an estimated lifespan of up to one year between charges. Recharging is quick and easy via the included USB-C cable (a full charge takes about 100 minutes).
TillerBuddy: Pre-sales and After-sales Care
At TillerBuddy, we believe trust is just as important as the quality of the product. When you're buying an innovative tool for your boat, you deserve to speak directly to the person who knows it best—the inventor.
That’s why our customer care is designed to be personal, reliable, and entirely human.
Why We Shun Automation
In an age of endless digital chatbots and frustrating automated phone menus, we guarantee a refreshingly direct experience. When you call us, you will reach a real-time, real-life person—no robots, no holding queues, and no generic support tickets.
We choose this approach because:
• Expert Insight: Every TillerBuddy is handcrafted on our own boat. This level of intimacy with the product means you get instant, expert advice on installation, use, and troubleshooting directly from the source.
• High-Touch Trust: Your pre-sale questions and after-sale support are too important to delegate to an automated system. This is a personal commitment to the quality and durability of your TillerBuddy.
• True Reliability: If you have an issue, you get a direct answer and a reliable solution immediately, cutting through the time and frustration caused by tiered, non-human support structures.
Whether you need a quick question answered before ordering, or assistance after your TillerBuddy is installed, we are here to ensure your confidence.
Ready to Connect?
Call us for Pre-Sale Advice or Immediate After-Sale Support:
T
(Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
The Workshop - The Office - The Home for the Inventor & Maker of TillerBuddy™
The Workshop - The Office - The Home for the Inventor & Maker of TillerBuddy™
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