Paddle for a runabout when in a pinch?

[arminius]

I have an 18' Stingray runabout with a 3.0L Merch without a trolling motor. It's dawned on me I should have a paddle or two just in case the engine dies. Any suggestions on something that is sleek and works well?

 

[oldjeep]

You can get collapsible emergency paddles, or a waterski works in a pinch. We've got 2 paddleboard paddles in the boat because we carry 2 inflatable paddleboards in one of the compartments.

http://www.iboats.com/Garelick-Comp...2128230--session_id.929242067--view_id.713524

 

[jkust]

We carry two large paddles in the center floor storage. Would hate to have to actually need them actually try to get anywhere.

 

[wrvond]

A nice long handled wooden one stored in the ski locker is the way to go. Having to reach over the gunwales is bad enough, having to reach down and only get the tip in the water is much worse! Collapsible paddles have a couple problems - often the adjustable part is simple a ring, using friction to keep the paddle to length, this can allow the blade to spin around inside the handle during use, drastically reducing effectiveness. At the same time, neglect in a damp environment can cause the two metal halves to corrode together, effectively shortening your paddle to an unserviceable length.
A long collapsible pole should be stored in there too for pushing away from things (dock, repel boarders) or pulling things toward you (mooring buoys, swimmer aid/rescue).

 

[hemi rt]

Up here a paddle is mandatory but have you ever tried to paddle a 16' or larger boat? It is just about impossible unless you can reach the bottom.

 

[roffey]

in my neck of the waters not only should you have a paddle there is a fine if you don't. Count on getting stopped at least once a year by the local authorities and they will ask to see your whistle, tow rope, manual bailer, paddle, PFD's, boat registration and boaters licence, please... (insurance for some reason is optional)

 

[jkust]

A long collapsible pole should be stored in there too for pushing away from things (dock, repel boarders) or pulling things toward you (mooring buoys, swimmer aid/rescue).

Lately, i'm actually seeing the need for a collapsible pole more and more.

 

[R055]

Would hate to use a paddle on a 3000 pound boat, I should try bringing a leaf blower and sitting on the swim platform with it to see if it would work.

 

[roffey]

I've paddled my 20 footer in to shore before. Its was easer than I thought it would be. I just sat on the bow and slowly paddled in. There was no wind or chop that day.

 

[oldjeep]

I had to paddle my first boat - a 1980's Bayliner 195 to shore a couple times. takes a while and I was using a waterski but it worked.

 

[oldjeep]

in my neck of the waters not only should you have a paddle there is a fine if you don't. Count on getting stopped at least once a year by the local authorities and they will ask to see your whistle, tow rope, manual bailer, paddle, PFD's, boat registration and boaters licence, please... (insurance for some reason is optional)

Gotta be Canada right?

 

[82rude]

Up here a paddle is mandatory but have you ever tried to paddle a 16' or larger boat? It is just about impossible unless you can reach the bottom.

No a paddle is not mandatory.Canadian regs state one paddle or 50 feet of rope and a anchor.The idea of paddling a 16foot plus boat is laughable.Happened to me and I didn't get anywhere atall.

 

[Ned L]

If you sit on the foredeck, straddling the stem it can be quite effective. As long as there isn't much of a breeze, if you aren't in a hurry you can paddle pretty good size boats.

 

[82rude]

See how far you get in a heavy current .Me I prefer to rely on a fully ready to go kicker.In perfect weather I concede that a paddle may help but what happens in windy large wave water?If the cops are telling you need a paddle in Canada their wrong and don't know the regs.Page 18 in the safety regs states whats needed and its a paddle or 50 feet of rope and anchor.Me I tossed the oars long ago.

 

[jkust]

See how far you get in a heavy current .Me I prefer to rely on a fully ready to go kicker.In perfect weather I concede that a paddle may help but what happens in windy large wave water?If the cops are telling you need a paddle in Canada their wrong and don't know the regs.Page 18 in the safety regs states whats needed and its a paddle or 50 feet of rope and anchor.Me I tossed the oars long ago.

You must have a fishing boat but I still think padding almost more than 2.5 tons with my paddles would be a massive chore. I'll have to give it a go next season just to see how hard it actually is.

 

[oldjeep]

See how far you get in a heavy current .Me I prefer to rely on a fully ready to go kicker.In perfect weather I concede that a paddle may help but what happens in windy large wave water?If the cops are telling you need a paddle in Canada their wrong and don't know the regs.Page 18 in the safety regs states whats needed and its a paddle or 50 feet of rope and anchor.Me I tossed the oars long ago.

A kicker is fine on a fishing boat, most boats have no place for a backup motor

 

[roffey]

No a paddle is not mandatory.Canadian regs state one paddle or 50 feet of rope and a anchor.The idea of paddling a 16foot plus boat is laughable.Happened to me and I didn't get anywhere atall.

I think I would rather paddle then use an anchor, IMHO, but you are right.

• Life jacket or PFD for each person on board.
• Buoyant heaving line 15 metres.
• Reboarding device / ladder.
• Manual propelling device OR anchor with 15 m (50') of rode.
• Hand-bailer OR manual pump.
• If equipped with motor: Watertight flashlight OR 3 Type A, B, or C flares.
• Sound signalling device.

 

[drrpm]

I carry a pair of inexpensive Plastic/aluminum canoe paddles in the ski locker and needed them once. It was not great but got us back to the dock and sure beat having nothing.

 

[SeaDooSam]

It's a law in Maine where I boat. Hope I never need them. I have two non collapsible paddles in the ski locker.

 

[bruceb58]

It's a law in Maine where I boat. Hope I never need them. I have two non collapsible paddles in the ski locker.

I looked up Maine regulations and saw no such requirement. None required in California either.