Paddle or Oar

Does anyone else have this problem?  The channel to the boat ramp area is too narrow for tacking and is busy with motor boats.  I have a 50:50 chance of needing to paddle or row into a strong wind, either at the start or the end.

I tried oars which are good for a strong wind but in a small boat, they tend to be underfoot, cramping your floor space and catching your lines.  Paddles take less space, but it is hard to keep the boat straight when single handed and especially in a stiff breeze.  What was your solution (not counting motors)?

What do you do with the rudder?  Remove it, tied it in one position, or let it flop?

What about the boom and sail?  I tried raising the sail and let it swing with the wind, but it kept getting in the way, banging my head.  I tried rowing out with the sail down, but even with some extra distance, I still nearly went on the rocks while raising the sails. 

What’s your secret?

FYI, I am using a small boat similar in size to a Mirror.  There is no room on the foredeck for oars without snagging the jib.


Edited by kurio99

Singlehanded.

In flat water if you can drop the main and release the jib
sheets; remove the rudder and scull backwards with a
paddle. Sounds counter-intuitive I know but once you have
the knack you have both control and power (although its
hard work).

Garry

...don't forget that those little electric motors need a big heavy battery to power them for any length of time. I looked into it a while back and they were offensively heavy!

I suggest:

1. fit a roller furling on the jib to be able to reel in quickly and easily,

2. lower the sail to prevent the boom violently swinging from side to side and stow it in the cockpit possibly with some elasticated cord.  You can then tighten mainsheet to centre boom or fit topping lift to raise as suggested by JimC.

3. Raise the rudder and use oars to control direction.

3. fit removable plastic row locks onto the gunwale and make sure its reinforced enough to handle the force of rowing. I've seen this system used on Miracles and Mirrors for cruising.

4. buy a couple of telescopic portable oars similar to the ones in the link below.  They can be stowed in the boat without taking up space. I keep one in my boat for an emergency.

http://www.towerwholesale.co.uk/tower/images/282680pad.jpg

Sculling is a good idea and would give you more power since you are pulling the oars rather than pushing them.  Just keep an eye out behind you every couple of strokes to make sure you avoid obstacles.

Don't agree with electric nor small petrol motors since these take up space on the transom and prevent the rudder from working correctly whilst sailing.  Unless of course you have a boat with an outboard motor bracket fitted purposely. In which case a petrol engine would be better since it would avoid a heavy battery and could incorporate a fuel tank on the motor itself.  I used to use a small Yamaha 2HP 2stroke on the back of my old Miracle.

Google, ‘sailing dinghy cruising’ for more information. There’s a lot out there.  Also try:

http://www.btinternet.com/~sail/cruising.htm

Hope this helps.

Bernard