UCanoe_2 wrote:I'm trying to figure out from the times of your posts whether you are a night owl or a really early riser. I just realized you are in a different time zone.
All three, actually. And I've known to not stick to "my" time zone....
Strong weather helm when the boat is overpowered is to be expected, I would say. I've had the DS simply round up sharply instead of being knocked flat when unexpected gusts have hit.
In terms of increasing the range of available seating positions for better balance nothing beats a tiller extension. What I have currently is an adjustable one from Forespar (I think their 4' model) which has a stainless steel bushing that you fit flush in the tiller, and to which you insert a SS universal joint.
I do like being able to take the extension off altogether, but if I had a retainer clip, to store it along the top of the tiller that would be OK as well. I mounted the tiller extension too close to the tip. 2" further back would have left me enough room to fit my hand on the tiller w/o touching the extension. (Second reason why I like to remove mine when not using it). Having an adjustable extension can be nice, but it tends to come "unadjusted" in use, usually at the critical moment. If it's not adjustable, it should be the maximal length that you can still swing to the other side given the constraints from the main sheet and bridle. Mine ends in a little "bulb" which is tempting to use as grip. I've learned it's better to have the extension pass your shoulder and to grip the shaft sideways and from below. Finally, if you don't need to remove the extension, having a rubber U-joint may work better. They prevent the extension from falling down when you let go, but are otherwise still bendy enough to not interfere with its use.
Having written that, do I find any of these super-critical? Well, not enough for me to make any changes, but at times I wish I had made them. (I have another boat which is set up differently, and perhaps at some point I'll conclude that having both work the same is what's most important ... will see).