Thanks to everyone that had suggestions about my split tiller. It was comforting to know that I was not the only one with this issue. After looking at the price for an Ida rudder/tiller, I have glued the split laminate with urethane glue, over drilled the blot holes and filled with epoxy and will drill out to correct size to repair the current tiller. I also have some left over red oak stair nosing to craft a new tiller that should not split but the old tiller will need to fill in for a bit. I am missing a good day on the bay and don't intend to miss any more if possible. I have searched the archives and knocked about the web sites but could not find the weight of the M-8 (7' 11") listed anywhere. Any M-boaters know the weight and is this an easy car toppable boat? I can heft about a good deal of weight but for instance my CD-10 takes a few of us to carry to the beach! Thanks again, Robbin