Cutting back the Tiller

Has anyone ever cut back their tiller so it's more comfortable to sit farther aft and more towards the middle of the boat (it would seem a little more stable if your heavier and easier to carry 2 people) ?

Just wondering- Thanks, James

I am sure they have. However the boat goes slower with weight in the back since the stern drags. Also when it gets windy you need to sit out and it'll be hard to get far enough outboard with the tiller cut back. You could get a longer tiller extension but that presents its own issues especially with two on board.

I've done that. I started with the standard tiller length on the plans you
can find on the internet. If I remember correctly, it is a bit too long when
sailing with two people. I made the cut just behind the bolt hole and ended
up doing it twice before I was happy. I did not really take enough off to make
single handed sailing any more difficult.

I have not done it yet, but plan to trim it back a few inches. For the same reasons mentioned - I sail often with one of my kids, or a niece/nephew, etc. so a little extra room for me to sit further back will give the passenger a bit more room, and make things a tad more comfortable. I have an extra tiller, so I might just keep 1 of each, one standard size and one cut short for days I know I'll sail with extra riders.

"Cutting back the tiller" sounds like one of those old cliches of nautical origin...

"Now that Jack is retired, he's sure cutting back the tiller."

Son, if you don't grow up and start taking responsibility for your actions, your mom and I are going to cut off your tiller!

How long is the standard tiller and extension on a Sunfish? I have a 'new to me' Sunfish, and I'm not sure if it is standard length or not?

Thanks for the measurements and the file!