Alternate means of propulsion

[Barry Pyeatt]

When we run out of power, whether, gas or electric and the wind has died, we need an alternate means of propulsion.

There has been some talk about paddles, oars and I would offer this as a serious consideration for Weekender, Vacationeer and PC builders as well as any of the smaller craft.

Good articles on sculling, technique, methods and equipment.

I had run across this sometime ago, but lost the link. Came across it again today for those that may not have seen it earlier.

http://www.widgetsailor.com/sbjournal/sculling/scull1.html

I was talking to my marine architect buddy about going sailing on Lake Superior later this month or early Sept. and we wound up talking about sculling the Weekenders and Vacationeers. He has used this technique on quite a few boats up to 36' and finds it very effective, particularly in a crowded area. I asked him where he would keep a long sculling oar on one of these boats and he said he straps his to the boom with velcro straps and has a closed oarlock that he puts on the transom when he needs it.

He said that storing the sculling oar on the boom keeps it out of the way and yet it is convenient and it adds a little downward weight on the boom that doesn't hurt performance at all.

Interesting idea! 8)

[Pat Mellema]

Barry re you talking of dragging Sprit Wind all the way over to our lakes. Just to try sculling. The lakes may be big but it would be safer to try this on a small lake. I have yet to get Sanddragon out to the big lake. I have been out in the small lake and had some conditions that made me uncomfortable. I am not that used to sailing but would not have liked those conditions in the power boat that I grew up with.

I would watch out on Lake Superior as conditions can change from nice to real bad in a very short time. I have lived around these lakes all my life and found conditions to go from flat calm to 8' waves and winds in excess of 30 knots in 1/2 hour.

[Barry Pyeatt]

No Pat, not hauling Sprit Wind anywhere. Got to finish it first. But I will try sculling it around some of the lakes here to get used to it.

He has a 51' Morgan OI Ketch. I used to live in Detroit and did some Great Lakes racing when I was a lot younger. Been on Lake Superior quite a few times as well as Michigan, Huron and Erie. We're thinking about an Isle Royale run from Traverse City up to Mackinac Island and on to Sault Sainte marie thru the locks. Then on to Thunder Bay. Have to make up our minds pretty soon if we are going to do it.

[Knut]

Barry,

thanks for the reminder and link about sculling. I have tried it some 50 years ago and I am sure I can do it again.

Point is, I have been thinking about oars for my Weekender but have ended up with one only (meant for paddling when needed). Normal rowing with two oars I find pretty ackward (splash coamings etc) and paddling is also not so efficient. Properly prepared sculling is certainly a very good alternative and it requires space for only one oar. I had completely forgotten about this as a serious alternative of propulsion.

Since my outboard has no gear and I use it in a fixed position, it means no effect of the rudder before I have forward speed. I cannot idle the engine without some propulsion and I have no reverse. In tight positions in the marina this can cause tricky situations and a good way of controlling movement without speed and engine is really a help! I will prepare a sculling position on the transome ASAP!

[Barry Pyeatt]

Knut,

I've been considering rowing my Weekender as well. My friend rows his San Juan 21 facing forward and standing up. Very effective for him. I tried it with a friends skiff and it was wonderful. JUst rig a topping lift to faise the boom out of the way and get about 9' oars and go for it.

[Knut]

Barry,

I am sure you are right that rowing the way you describe is working fine. That was the way I had in mind in any case. However, if sculling works out well (will test it), then I need only one oar and in a tight spot close to the quay and other boats the sculling oar is not sticking out to the side and requiring a lot of space.

Furthermore, one does not exclude the other, so I may make some adjustments on the boat to allow for both alternatives. Then experience will tell which works the best.

[TexasPhil]

Barry,

Thanks for posting the sculling instructions.

I have been considering an electric motor, or rowing. But I think this has clinched it for me... sculling it is. I don't anticipate having to use it much, but it will be nice when needed.

Now, to figure out where to put the oar.... :?

[Mike Pennington]

Yep, I ditto the thanks for the post. I did install an oar lock on the stern but haven't used it yet. I use oars on the Vacationer, facing forward while single handing standing up. Not so awkward after a little practice. But I still would like to try skulling with something besides the rudder.

[SeaEagle]

Hi there,

Did anyone happen to save a copy of the webpage(s) from the link below

e.g. http://www.widgetsailor.com/sbjournal/sculling/scull1.html

I was planning on making a sculling oar from the plans that were listed - but have found that this site is now longer hosted .

Regards

SE

[Mike Donlin]

Try this link http://councill.home.mindspring.com/sbjournal/sculling/scull1.html

[Frank Hagan]

Hi there' date='

Did anyone happen to save a copy of the webpage(s) from the link below

e.g. http://www.widgetsailor.com/sbjournal/sculling/scull1.html

I was planning on making a sculling oar from the plans that were listed - but have found that this site is now longer hosted .

Regards

SE[/quote']

Its still archived at the Internet Wayback Machine:

http://web.archive.org/web/20021105151301/http://www.widgetsailor.com/sbjournal/sculling/scull1.html

Although I can only get page one to come up.

[SeaEagle]

Thanks Guys,

I found the stuff I wanted on the Link that Mike posted!