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TillerBuddy™ is the worlds 1st Wireless Tiller incorporated control system
Buddy v1
Buddy v2
Buddy v3
TillerBuddy Beam
TillerBuddy Horn
TillerBuddy Hub
The TillerBuddy™ Ecosystem
The TillerBuddy™ system is the ultimate upgrade for the modern helm, bringing effortless, multi-function control directly to your fingertips. Designed for the boater who appreciates premium comfort and seamless ergonomics, it’s about making every manoeuvre feel smooth and sophisticated.
The beauty of the system is its flexibility. A Buddy controller integrates perfectly with your boat's existing 12V setup, but it truly comes into its own when you want to expand your capabilities. Whether you are upgrading a broken system or simply want the convenience of our feature-packed accessories, the choice is yours.
By adding the TillerBuddy™ Horn or Beam, you unlock possibilities that traditional wiring can’t touch. It serves as the perfect "digital deckhand" for solo boaters; imagine being on the bank securing your stern line, and having the remote power to pulse your bow thruster and bring a drifting bow back to the wall without having to run back to the helm.
From detaching your tunnel light to illuminate the towpath for a secure walk home at night, to having remote horn access for added security, TillerBuddy™ offers a more relaxed, refined cruising experience.
What do they all do?
The Controllers
Buddy v1 (£115) The original luxury upgrade. A hand-crafted wooden handle with an integrated wireless horn button. It’s for the boater who wants a classic look with the modern convenience of a backlit thumb-trigger for the horn.
Buddy v2 (£125) The ultimate helm command. A hand-crafted wooden handle featuring a removable magnetic control pad. It masters your horn, bow thruster, and lights. Because the pad is removable, it doubles as a remote—perfect for solo boaters to control the thruster from the towpath while mooring.
Buddy v3 (£95) The high-tech "digital deckhand" in a versatile format. This is a strap-on control pad that fits any existing tiller handle. It offers the exact same multi-function remote features as the v2 (Horn/Thruster/Lights) but without the need to replace your current woodwork.
The Accessories
TillerBuddy Horn (£60) A rugged, black aluminum 125dB powerhouse. It’s a zero-wiring solution that snaps onto your roof magnetically. It pairs with any Buddy controller to solve broken horn circuits or to act as a remote security alarm you can trigger from inside.
TillerBuddy Beam (£95) Much more than a tunnel light. This 2000LM wireless LED features a 360° rotatable magnetic base. Use it to navigate tunnels via your Buddy remote, or snap it to the side walls at night to light up the towpath. It also functions as a portable work light, a high-intensity torch, and a 4400mAh power bank for your phone.
TillerBuddy Hub The "Brain" included with every controller. It stays tucked away in your engine bay or cupboard, connecting your boat's existing 12V systems to your wireless Buddy units via a high-speed, 30ms connection.
The TillerBuddy™ Advantage
Uninterrupted Flow: Maintaining a firm, consistent grip on the tiller is the hallmark of a composed boater. TillerBuddy™ ensures you never have to break that posture or fumble for a dashboard switch, keeping your journey fluid and focused.
The "Digital Deckhand" (Solo Boating Simplified): High-precision manoeuvres are where the system truly shines. By removing the control pad on the v2 and v3, you can step onto the towpath and act as your own crew. Secure your stern line first, then use the remote to pulse the bow thruster, bringing a drifting bow back to the bank with total precision and zero stress.
Eyes-Up Navigation: True premium control is about staying present. By putting the Horn, Thruster, and Lights under your thumb, you maintain continuous vision of the water ahead—essential for navigating tight marinas or spotting that oncoming boat at a blind bend without ever looking down.
Total Integration: Whether you're using our hand-crafted handles or the versatile strap-on pad, you’re adding a layer of sophisticated ergonomics to your boat. It’s about more than just a gadget; it’s about upgrading the handle you already rely on into a multi-functional command centre.
The TillerBuddy Experience
Even the most seasoned boaters deal with the limitations of traditional helm layouts. TillerBuddy™ replaces the "scramble" with seamless, composed control.
The Seamless Signal: You’re gliding into a blind bend or a dark tunnel entrance. Traditionally, you’d have to reach for a dashboard switch, momentarily losing your focus on the turn. With a Buddy at your side, a subtle thumb-press sounds the horn or toggles your Beam tunnel light instantly. No searching, no shifting your gaze—just effortless communication.
The Perfect Mooring: Picture yourself entering a tight marina berth with a crosswind. Usually, you’d be darting your eyes between the narrow gap and the bow thruster controls. TillerBuddy™ keeps your hand on the tiller and your eyes on the gap. You pulse the thruster intuitively while maintaining the perfect steering line.
The Solo Navigator’s Assistant: We’ve all been there—stepping onto the towpath to tie off the stern, only to watch the bow start to drift away. Instead of a frantic leap back onto the boat, you simply use the removable remote in your pocket. A quick pulse of the bow thruster brings the boat back to the bank while you stay safely on the towpath.
It’s not just about adding a button; it’s about removing the friction from your boating life.
Thumb Press → Instant Response → Total Composure.
This is the system that started it all—solving the critical safety problem on the waterways. The Buddy V1 Handle ensures you never have to look away from the water to find the horn. It puts instant, thumb-activated horn control exactly where you need it, ensuring safer passage through blind bends and tunnels.
Core Benefit: Instant Horn control, without breaking eye contact with the water.
Premium Build: Hand-crafted wooden handle now featuring an upgraded Backlit Button for enhanced visibility.
Connectivity: Connects to your boat's existing horn circuit or pairs with the zero-wiring.
Buddy V2: The Multi-Functional Control Handle - £125
Upgrade your entire helm experience with the Buddy V2 Handle, which moves beyond horn control to offer comprehensive command over key boat functions. This premium, incorporated handle gives you instant access to manoeuvre and safety controls, all under your thumb.
Ultimate Control: Wireless access to Horn, Bow Thruster (Port/Starboard) and Tunnel Light.
Manoeuvre Perfected: Use the Bow Thruster controls for effortless mooring and winding without taking your hands off the tiller.
Connectivity: Connects wirelessly via high-speed 30ms Bluetooth to the TillerBuddy Receiver Module.
The Buddy V3 offers the full power and convenience of the TillerBuddy multi-function system in the most accessible, budget-friendly format. This control pad straps securely to your existing tiller handle, allowing you to gain critical wireless control without replacing your current handle.
Full Multi-Functionality: Identical controls to the premium V2 handle: Horn, Bow Thruster, and Light circuits.
Budget Solution: The simplest way to upgrade your helm to full wireless control.
Easy Fit: Quickly and securely attaches to virtually any existing tiller handle using a rubber strap.
Connectivity: Connects wirelessly via high-speed 30ms Bluetooth to the TillerBuddy Receiver Module.
"Every Tiller should have a Buddy by its side"
Manoeuvre with Confidence: Off-Tiller Bow Thruster Control
The V2 and V3 control pads put your Bow Thruster and Tunnel Light functions right in your hand, allowing you to move away from the tiller when it matters most.
Solve the Mooring Struggle: Remove the V2 magnetic pad or V3 strap-on pad, step onto the towpath, tie off the stern and if the wind catches your bow, simply command your bow thruster with the remote.
Precision from the Best View: Control the bow thruster from the bank to bring the bow closer for easy tying up, reducing center rope line struggles and stress.
Visual Control: The multi-function control pad is ergonomically designed for intuitive use, featuring distinct buttons for Horn, Thruster, and Aux controls.
Discover the V2 and V3 controls in our online shop to experience the future of narrowboat handling.
For Horn Function Only – Works with All TillerBuddy Control Systems (V1, V2, and V3)
We are thrilled to offer this upgraded zero-wiring option for the TillerBuddy™ system, making instant horn control more accessible than ever before. 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 unit is designed for complete peace of mind, eliminating all wiring worries: Simply magnetically position the rugged, aluminum 125dB horn unit anywhere on your steel boat. Job done! The unit wirelessly pairs with any Buddy Control Unit (v1 Handle, v2 Handle, or v3 Strap-on Pad). Both the TillerBuddy™ Horn and your control pad are rechargeable via USB-C.
Experience instant, thumb-activated horn control that feels completely natural, without touching a single wire. It’s the perfect solution for those with broken systems, ensuring safe passage through blind bends, locks, and tunnels. Why it works: The TillerBuddy™ Horn comes with its own powerful, integrated 125dB horn and receiver. Just charge it up, attach it magnetically, and your chosen Buddy control wirelessly activates it. No fuss, no electricians, and no more missing essential safety. Navigate with Comfort, Control, and unmatched simplicity.
Specs
Power & Battery
Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery Capacity: 1300 mAh Charging: USB-C (cable included); red light indicates charging, green light indicates fully charged Standby Life: Estimated several months under typical standby/usage conditions
Acoustics & Mount
Horn Type: High-output 125dB electric horn Loudness: 125 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
Casing: Durable Black Aluminum Alloy Dimensions: Compact 70mm x 70mm x 46mm Wireless Type: Integrated receiver paired exclusively with Buddy v1, v2, and v3 controls
The TillerBuddy Beam is the ultimate wireless tunnel light, specifically engineered for the unique challenges of the UK canal network. Designed to blend seamlessly with your setup, it features a rugged, impact-resistant housing and a high-strength, 360° rotatable magnetic base for effortless mounting on any steel narrowboat roof. Whether you are navigating the 5,000 yards of Standedge or tight local bridge holes, the TillerBuddy Beam provides unparalleled visibility without the need for permanent wiring or drilling.
Versatile Positioning: Featuring a heavy-duty, protective magnetic base that secures the unit to your roof in seconds for navigation, or to the hull to illuminate the towpath when approaching your boat at night.
2000LM Multi-Mode Lighting: High-intensity output with 6 modes, including warm white for reduced glare and stepless dimming (5%–100%) to suit any environment.
All-Weather Durability: Built with a sturdy, anti-corrosive housing rated to IP54 to reliably withstand the damp environments of deep canal tunnels and water splashes.
Specs
Power & Battery
High-Capacity Power: Equipped with a built-in 4400mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing 3–8 hours of continuous lighting to outlast even the longest tunnel passages.
Wireless
Smart Wireless Control: Fully compatible with Buddy v2 and v3 controllers, allowing you to switch your headlight on or off directly from the tiller. This remote functionality also lets you activate your lights from the towpath for a safe, illuminated approach to your boat at night.
Beam
Ultra-Bright 2000LM LED: Delivering up to 2000 lumens of high-intensity light to illuminate the entire tunnel path ahead. Features 6 lighting modes, including cool white (up to 6500K) for maximum visibility and warm white options to reduce glare during long passages.
Bundles
The Beep Bundle - The Instant, Wire-Free Signaling Solution
Price: £160 (Individual Total £175 | Save £15)
Description:
Includes: 1x Buddy v1 (Hand-crafted Handle) + 1x TillerBuddy Wireless Horn.
Price: £160 (Individual Total £175 | Save £15)
The Pitch: The simplest way to get your boat talking again. This is our basic, no-nonsense solution for anyone with a dead horn or a messy dashboard.
The Tech: The Beep Bundle works 100% out-of-the-box with zero wiring involved. Because both the Buddy v1 and the TillerBuddy Horn are powered by internal batteries, you get a thumb-triggered 125dB signal instantly. No drilling, no cable runs, and no 12V connections—just a reliable "beep" exactly when you need it.
Admiral System Bundle - The Complete 'Digital Deckhand' Command Centre
Price: £295 (Individual Total £335 | Save £40)
Description:
Includes: 1x Buddy v2 (Hand-crafted Handle + Magnetic Remote) + 1x Wireless Horn + 2x TillerBuddy Beam Units + 1x TillerBuddy Hub (Receiver).
Price: £295 (Individual Total £335 | Save £40)
The Pitch: Our flagship command network for the boater who wants total mastery of their craft.
The Tech: This system features the Buddy v2 with its removable magnetic remote—giving you a "digital deckhand" to pulse your bow thruster from the towpath while you secure your lines. Combined with our high-intensity horn and dual Beam lights, you gain 360° illumination and remote security. Whether you're navigating deep tunnels, mooring solo, or lighting up the towpath for a safe walk home, the Admiral System puts the future of boating in your pocket.
Craft
Brains
Craftsmanship & Brains
Handmade, Engineer-Designed
Every TillerBuddy™ product 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.
TillerBuddy Hub: The Brain of the System
The Receiver Module is the intelligent hub that makes the TillerBuddy system plug-and-play. It connects your wireless Tiller control to your boat's 12V functions (horn, thruster, lights, etc.).
Included Component: This module is included with every TillerBuddy control system (V1, V2, and V3).
Simple Installation: Designed for DIY boaters, featuring both pre-installed piggyback connectors and 1 in / 2 out snap connectors for versatile wiring. No complex rewiring or drilling required.
Maintenance Ready: Features an easy one-button pairing protocol for fast, reliable replacement or upgrading of your Tiller control unit.
Continuous Control: The module ensures your boat's original controls remain fully operational—you lose nothing, you only gain wireless convenience.
Advanced Connectivity: Utilises high-speed 30ms Bluetooth reconnection for instant command from your control unit.
TillerBuddy Gallery
Buddy v1
Buddy v2
Buddy v3
TillerBuddy Beam
TillerBuddy Horn
TillerBuddy Receiver
Ready to Order?
Ready to take control of your narrowboat with safer, smoother steering?
Click to proceed to our online shop and configure your perfect TillerBuddy system.
Driftwood & Reclaimed Wood: Crafted With Purpose
We source our wood ethically from two main origins:
1. Driftwood:
• Wood that would otherwise have rotted away, rescued from canals and waterways.
• Using it allows us to avoid contributing to the demand for cutting down trees, giving these materials a second life.
2. Reclaimed Wood:
• Hardwood salvaged from old boats, canal locks, bridges, or storm-fallen timber.
• Each piece carries its own history and is repurposed with care, keeping it out of landfill and reducing environmental impact.
All wood is carefully selected, fully dried, and precisely turned into the TillerBuddy design you know and trust. While the source is ethical, the final product is strong, functional, and premium quality, combining modern innovations with historical materials to ensure every handle lasts for years of boating life.
Every Handle is Numbered
• Each TillerBuddy handle receives a unique serial number, marking its place in our production and providing authenticity.
• This numbering applies across all handles — standard and limited editions — giving every piece provenance and meaning.
Limited Edition Story Handles
For those who want something truly special, we offer Limited Edition Story Handles:
• Crafted from wood with a documented background (e.g., driftwood rescued from a historic canal lock or reclaimed timber from a boat that has seen decades on the water).
• Each limited edition handle has its own dedicated webpage, showing:
• Photos of the wood before production
• Its journey through the crafting and turning process
• Notes about its origin
• The handle’s unique number
• Each limited edition handle will include a small, discreet QR code linking directly to its story page — letting owners share and explore the journey of their handle online.
• Occasionally, when we find particularly rare or historic timber, we create special batch releases, marketed as a series to highlight the uniqueness and collectibility of that wood.
A Passion‑Driven Craft
This isn’t about mass production or chasing profit — it’s about bringing together engineering, design, boating, and ethics in a product that genuinely improves life on the water.
Owning a TillerBuddy handle means holding a piece of rescued wood transformed into a functional, innovative control system, engineered for reliability, comfort, and ease of use. Each handle carries a story, a number, and a connection to sustainable craftsmanship and boating culture, making it a truly premium, one-of-a-kind product.
Limited Edition Handles — By Request Only!
For our Buddy V1 and V2 systems, the tiller handle is more than just a control-
— it’s where craftsmanship meets innovation. Now, for those who want something truly special, we offer Limited Edition handles made on request from carefully selected reclaimed wood with history, such as wood rescued from old ships or historic canal locks.
Each Limited Edition handle is unique, numbered, and paired with its own story page and QR code, letting you explore its journey from its original life to your boat.
All other Buddy versions don’t include a handle, but for V1 and V2, this is your chance to own a functional, sustainable, and collectible piece of boating craftsmanship, blending historical materials with modern innovation.
Discover the stories behind these unique handles and request yours today!
Contact us direct to chat about obtaining a limited edition piece where you can select a specific piece of wood we have.
Right to cancel, Compliance & Returns
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™ system and what makes it unique?
A: TillerBuddy is the world's first wireless tiller multi-function control system, invented by boater Benjamin Donnaghue. It provides instant access to Horn, Bow Thruster, and Auxiliary circuits directly under your thumb on the tiller. This ensures continuous forward vision and safer steering by eliminating the need to look away or scramble for controls.
Q. Which TillerBuddy Control Unit is right for me?
A: Your choice depends on your desired functionality (Horn-only or Multi-Function) and whether you want to retain your existing tiller handle. All control units include the TillerBuddy Receiver Module:
V1.01 Wireless Horn Handle: Premium handle with Horn-only control.
V2.01 Multi Functional Handle: Premium handle with Horn, Thruster, and Aux control.
V3.01 Strap-on Pad: Budget-friendly unit that straps onto your existing handle for full Horn, Thruster, and Aux control.
Accessory: The Wireless Rechargeable Horn Unit is also available for a zero-wiring horn solution.
Q. How difficult is the TillerBuddy system to install, and what about wiring?
A: Installation is designed for DIY boaters. The V2.01 and V3.01 use ultra-fast 30ms Bluetooth reconnection. The Receiver Module connects to your existing circuits using simple, pre-installed piggyback connectors, meaning no drilling or complex rewiring. We provide full instructions and video links. The Wireless Rechargeable Horn Unit offers a fully zero-wiring horn option.
Q. How does the handle attach, and what is the battery life?
A: The handles (V1.01/V2.01) slide onto the tiller arm, secured with friction tape or liquid rubber for a non-slip fit. The V3.01 uses a secure strap. All control units are designed for maximum efficiency, with internal batteries lasting up to one year between quick USB-C recharges.
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?
Contact us for Pre-Sale Advice or Immediate After-Sale Support:
(Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
TillerBuddy™ was invented and founded in October 2025 by Benjamin Donnaghue, an electrical & electronics engineer and the founder of BoatyBuoy Boats (www.boatybuoy.boats). Patent Pending: Tiller-Mounted Unified Control Housing and Multi-Function Remote System. © All rights reserved 2025.
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