Unless you guys are looking to submit your altered oars as a piece of artwork, here is what you do:

1. I cut down my Cataracts for my pontoon boat (I think I cut them about 6 inches). I wrapped them with tape where the cut was going to be done and but through them with a Sawzall. Not hard. Then you are going to have to drill a new hole for the spring-loaded button to snap into. Just be sure you have the length right (before you make the first cut, measure from the end of the oar shaft to the factory hole. It really isn't that difficult.

2. Don't bother buying expensive handles or expensive Cataract weight donuts. Just get pencil lead and wrap the oars on the shaft JUST BELOW the handles. Then take Duct tape and wrap the the wraps of lead. Ideally, the weight is closest to the handle but this will certainly improve the balance.

-AP