Shortening a carbon fiber tiller extension

I have an Acme Fatso 48" tiller extension. I want to shorten it to 46" (and possible 45"). I have read on-line that this is possible. Has anyone done it? Any tips about what to do (or not do). I assume I use a very fine tooth saw. Would hate to find I damaged the extension beyond use and throw $100 down the toilet.

hacksaw works fine, light pressure on blade and don't clamp the extension in a vice (tube wall is thin and can crack/collapse), just hold it while cutting. Cut-off wheels work, but do it outside (carbon dust /breathing warnings inserted here)

Have you sailed with the extension the length it is now? Mainly ask as once you shorten it thats it, no going back. When you first get a long carbon tiller they can seem unwieldy and awkward but you soon get used to them and wonder how you ever managed with a short extension before.

Sailorchick said:

Have you sailed with the extension the length it is now? Mainly ask as once you shorten it thats it, no going back. When you first get a long carbon tiller they can seem unwieldy and awkward but you soon get used to them and wonder how you ever managed with a short extension before.

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Ditto. when I first got mine I was ready to cut it as it was a real pain. But I restrained myself and love it full length now. Glad I waited.

Ian

I'm 5'9.5" (to be exact) and, most of the time, I felt my 48 inch extension wasn't long enough.

Don't cut it off.

Very simple to saw. I just would do it in small steps, with test sails inbetween, instead of all at once.

At 5' 6", there is NO way I could sail with a 48" extension.

torrid said:

Very simple to saw. I just would do it in small steps, with test sails inbetween, instead of all at once.

At 5' 6", there is NO way I could sail with a 48" extension.

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I'm 5'6'' and sail with a full 48'' extension (mines actually slightly longer than the rooster tiller extension - have had it for years and can't remember the make). I need all that length and would never cut it down. Did seem excessive when I first got it - it comes almost up to my shoulder! - but it really is good to have a long extension when hiking hard.

I'd echo the thoughts on being sure you really want to cut it. Mine is uber-long (over 50") and I was convinced I wanted to cut it when I first started using it. But the more I sail with it, the more I like it. I'm still deciding.

But I have cut carbon before, and add this tip. Wrap the point at which you want to cut in tape (masking tape works well but electrical tape will do). Cut through the tape. This will prevent any damage from carbon strands at the surface being repeatedly lifted by the action of the saw blade. You'll get a cleaner finish and will only need to epoxy the surface of the cut to tidy up the shortened extension.

you might regret cutting it later, after switching to a longer extension it can seem like its too long, then you get used to it and you wouldn't want anything else.

If you cut it, you might not be able to sit as far forward or hike as hard (comfortably)

I'm 5'6" as well and couldn't do with a shorter extension. If it is getting in your way when you tack, grasp it at the base to flick it around your body.