got the new handles atached cut them down 3 1/2 to 9'3" with the counter balanced handles. havent tried them yet tho. I cut the top of the shaft so i need to move the oar stops back. how far apart do you want the handles.

Personal preference i'd say on how far apart the handles should be. Get em where they feel alright and then dump the boat in and try it out and if you have to, adjust the stops some more streamside.

thx drew I cut the old handles off my 9'6" down 3 1/2" so i have to move the stops back but i kinda like the handles about 6 " apart right over my knees. that way i wouldnt lose all the lenght outside the boat.