CS 20 raid boat configuration

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

Up here in the Pacific Northwest, we have a raid in the San Juan's (Silva Bay to Port Townsend) "Shipyard Raid". It typically requires a lot of rowing. A rowing boat came in second in 2006. First place was a rowing boat with a sail. It was an unusually windless race.

I am considering entering this year, maybe next. Has anyone tried two rowing stations? This is the only way I can see being competative. I've never rowed the boat...paddled it, but never rowed. I dont even have oar locks at present. Seems like you could have one rowing station in front of the mizzen and one aft. Comments please!

What size oars are best? Blade shape?

I have read old posts that I could find regarding rowing. Sounds like as long as you are not fighting wind that the Core Sounds row pretty well? If there is wind, we wont be rowing!

Most of the half day legs are around 7nm. Is it realistic to row 14 miles a day for 7 days if there is no wind? :shock: Realistically, we have no chance if the wind is not good. But people have told me that even if you come in last, its one of the best boating experiences that you will ever have. Just being with a group of raiders and spending evenings on the mothership sounds wonderful! Trying not to drink too much or get too little sleep.

[Gordy Hill]

Joe,

I rowed my CS 17 from forward of the mizzen and it rowed remarkably well. I could maintain 2.5 to 3 knots at an easy rate. Wether or not I could do it for hours is a different story.

[Terry Dunn]

Hi Joe,

I have one rowing station on my CS 20 and I am considering adding another. Not that I need another but when I look at the Home Shipyard Raid I think: "If I win the lottery I could afford to try the raid".

My goal would be to make it to every meal without a tow. That would probably require averaging 3 knots and going the right direction. Perhaps a bit faster.

My oars are 9' spruce spoon blade oars. I moved my oarlocks further aft than where I thought the plans showed and made a removable seat that goes in front of the thwart. I also put a board in to brace my feet. Works OK. The mizzen mast is still in the way. It could be placed in the reefing position if there is no wind. That would be more hassel when the wind comes up. Rowing along at about two mph in still weather is not too strenous. Going faster is more work for me. About the fastest I have done is 4 mph for a short period. About 10 minutes at that speed would be about it for me. Rowing against a fresh breeze is real tough. Of course, If you have wind ... you sail.

So, I am considering an additional rowing station between the mizzen and main with a jump seat over the centerboard. I think I will go for longer oars. Perhaps 9' 6" or 10'. Then I would need to talk one or more of my kids into the adventure. I think three would be a good crew size. After our trip to the NW last year my wife has already declined. She got cold. I suggested she would not get cold if she was rowing all of the time. She did not buy that suggestion.

I think the Green Heron has two rowing stations. I think Graham said they generally used one oar each.

Will ... back to reality. No amount of training would get my 60 year old body in good enough shape to row my CS 20 100 miles at 3.5 mph.

[Brent]

Joe, a raid sounds like great fun. I was thinking just today about organizing a Kentucky Lake Raid - but that is another potential future thread.

I have two rowing stations on my CS20 - one fore and one aft of the mizzen. The aft one is set up so that I can row standing and facing forward with the tiller between my knees.

My oars are 9'6"

It doesnt take much wind for the CS to sail faster than I can row - doing all the low wind pirate tricks ( sail trim, heel, gazelle like movements).

If I was going to be covering large miles under human power I would pull out my giant yuloh. The yuloh delivers an acceptable turn of speed and is much more sustainable over a long period of time - more efficient use of body mechanics.

[Brent]

If you are going raiding dont forget your 500 sgft screecher flying from a retractable carbon fibre bow sprit! ARgh!

[Kidd]

I have 1 oar station on my CS 17 in front of the mizzen. I remember a post from Graham saying he was going to put a second set of sweeps on his CS17 for the first Everglades Challenge. Maybe he will chime in. My oars are 8 feet long and they are perfect as far as length.