Hi Jerry, I found the tiller length on my M15 much too short (36") for my solo sailing. I installed a Forespar Tiller Extension, so that I could sit at the forward end of the cockpit, but it wasn't a good solution to the problem. Why? - the Forespar Extension made about a 120 degree angle with the tiller, when I sat forward, which made it awkward to really give the tiller a push or pull. Also trying to hold a course was iffy with that Extension angle. Next experiment: I built a wooden tiller extension which fitted over the top of the regular tiller and that angled upwards to clear my knees. Total tiller length with my wooden extension was 56". What I did was turn a pin that fit the Forespar tiller socket, to provide lateral strength. I then hollowed out the underside of the extension so that it was a form fit on the top of the tiller. The idea being to provide more lateral strength without adding side plates (my first idea). When I use the tiller extension, the pin goes in the Forespar fitting, and I use a Velcro tape, at the aft end of the extension, to hold the extension in place. Because of the taper on the extension, I can slide the Velcro tape slightly forward so that it becomes a very tight fit. So far it has worked very well, even when I seriously loaded the tiller to react to wind gusts (the longer lever arm is a big advantage) Another advantage is that the additional length makes course holding much simpler. A finger's width of movement at 56" makes for very fine course corrections. Now that I've played with this solution I have the old dilemma: I'd like the end of the tiller to be about a hand's breadth higher for better knee clearance and for a more relaxed, laid-back sailing position. But that means I have to make a new tiller, with the improvements. However, the present one solves 95% of the problem. Therefore do I or don't I make a new one to be 100% happy? Decisions, decisions! For single-handed sailing, longer is better, and my optimum is 56" total tiller length. If you just extend the regular tiller it hits your knees, therefore it has to be curved upwards. I'm still toying with the problem of being able to raise the tiller out of the way when at anchor, while having it locked and in the normal use position while underway. It involves using a hinge on the top surface of the tiller, and latches on the sides (down and locked is the fail-safe position) so that when in use you can quickly raise the rudder if need be, while being able to clear the cockpit at anchor. That's another trial for this summer. Connie M15 #400