The world's first wireless tiller-incorporated horn system, Designed specifically for the narrowboat community for safer, calmer tiller steering.
The TillerBuddy™ system is the world's first wireless tiller-incorporated control system, designed specifically for the narrowboat community to bring safety, control, and comfort directly to your fingertips.
Cruising the canals is a relaxing activity, but essential controls, like the horn, usually sit somewhere you aren't looking, aren't holding, and require you to look away from the water ahead.
The TillerBuddy™ system puts crucial functions exactly where instinct expects them: under your thumb, on the tiller.
Originally designed to incorporate the horn for instant, safer signalling, the TillerBuddy™ concept now offers a multi-function range designed and engineered by I, the hand craftsman:
Multi-Function Control: Easily access Horn control, Bow Thruster control for effortless mooring, and Auxiliary circuits (Headlights, etc.).
Flexible Options: Choose from a premium Wireless Control Handle or the budget-friendly Strap-On Control Pad for your own tiller.
Integrated Audio Controls: Keep your hands steady on the tiller while effortlessly muting or adjusting Volume for the TillerBuddy Portable Bluetooth Speaker (coming soon), turning your journey into pure enjoyment.
With TillerBuddy™, it’s less searching and more control. Safer boating, more comfortable journeys.
✔ Keep both hands and eyes where they belong
✔ Crucial controls (Horn, Thruster, Aux) on demand—without looking away
✔ Instant Horn access stops those "too late" moments on the cut
✔ Effortless Bow Thruster control for smooth mooring and winding
✔ Auxiliary controls for features like your Headlight/Tunnel Light
✔ Choose the perfect fit: Premium Handle or Budget Strap-On Pad
✔ Maintains original boat controls—nothing lost, only gained
TillerBuddy isn’t about tech for the sake of tech—it’s about making classic boating safer, smoother, and stress-free.
We offer options for every level of comfort with electrics, from zero-wiring solutions to simple DIY integration:
Zero-Wiring Options: Our Wireless Rechargeable Horn Unit requires no wiring—simply charge, attach magnetically, and go!
Simple Wiring Solutions: Even our multi-function systems are designed for simplicity. The Receiver Module uses pre-installed piggyback connectors, ensuring no complicated rewiring, no drilling, and no permanent boat modification is required.
Full Support: Every unit includes comprehensive written instructions and links to easy-to-follow installation videos.
Keeps Original Controls: Just plug, clip, go, and your boat's existing controls still work as normal—nothing lost, only gained.
Our commitment to quality ensures every TillerBuddy product is engineered for the unique demands of the UK canal network:
Robust Wireless Systems: Utilising reliable RF technology for our original horn models and Bluetooth connectivity for our new multi-function controls.
Instant Readiness (V2/V3): The V2.01 and V3.01 systems feature ultra-fast 30-millisecond auto-reconnection, ensuring your controls are always ready when you need them.
Zero Cables: Wireless control means a clean helm with no cables down the tiller shaft.
Convenient Power: Rechargeable batteries across the range, minimizing maintenance.
UK Engineered & Handcrafted: Invented by a boater (Benjamin Donnaghue) and meticulously built by hand in the UK.
Tested on the Waterways: Designed specifically for narrowboats and inspired by real-world boating moments.
Originally designed to incorporate the horn for instant, safer signalling, the TillerBuddy™ concept now offers 2 new multi control versions:
TillerBuddy V2.01 Multi Functional Incorporated Control Pad:
This handle features an integrated control pad providing instant access to Horn, Bow Thruster, and Auxiliary circuits (e.g., Headlight/Tunnel Light and future Speaker Volume). Designed for flexibility, this unit allows easy, cost-free expansion of functionality as your boating needs evolve. It connects wirelessly to the central TillerBuddy Receiver Module (included).
TillerBuddy V3.01 Strap-on Multi Functional Incorporated Control Pad:
This handle features an integrated control pad providing instant access to Horn, Bow Thruster, and Auxiliary circuits (e.g., Headlight/Tunnel Light and future Speaker Volume). Designed for flexibility, this unit allows easy, cost-free expansion of functionality as your boating needs evolve. It connects wirelessly to the central TillerBuddy Receiver Module (included).
Ready to see how TillerBuddy transforms your tiller?