Paddles - yea or nay

treerat · 23 January 2016, 18:42

Folks

On the older boats I always had a set of paddles, they fitted great on holders at the bottom of the tube almost on the floor.

On the new toy the tubes are oversize and the paddles would stick out into the foot space if I put them there. They look daft stood upright and the thought of them on top the tubes isn't appealing.

So time to look at options, do you carry paddles, what type and where do you stow them if you do?

Ta

Andy

Fender · 23 January 2016, 18:50

I use/carry the 2-part paddles that clip together, store them in a locker 'just in case'. Not sure how effective my paddling would be against a tide........

Starovich · 23 January 2016, 20:57

Depends on the size of boat, most ribs over 4.5m I would say are impossible to paddle in any wind/tide, and the paddles get used to pole for depth, or fend off quay walls, docks etc.
I carry folding ones, mainly because
a)I already have them
b) they are likely to be of more use in the boat than in the garage, ... marginally.

paulbrown22 · 23 January 2016, 21:05

I don't know, I had always agreed with Starovich about the usefulness of paddles on larger boats, but then a few months ago was sitting in on a training course when the student at the helm ran a Ribcraft 7.8 aground. There were fold up paddles on that boat, and two of us relatively easily managed to paddle the boat 10-20m back to deep water for the engine to be lowered and started again.

I hadn't previously thought they would be useful on a larger RIB other than as a manual depth sounder, but I'm now rethinking and when my RIB's back on the water might even buy some folding paddles myself to keep in a locker! I think you would need 2 people on a larger boat though to make any half way decent/straight progress.

Starovich · 23 January 2016, 21:27

If it's too shalow to run the engine, its wading depth

I agree, 2 people to make progress, but still think with any wind or current paddling a big boat is futile unless you want to go with the wind or current and just need to guide the boat a bit.

spartacus · 23 January 2016, 22:51

Yes, I carry paddles. My original Zodiac two-part wooden oars (always need a rub down and revarnish every other season) are still giving faithful service.

They collapse and sit next to the fuel tanks under the 2-man jockey console. Take up next to no space, but are useful for reaching ropes and fending off barnacle encrusted piers and other general duties.

I've got an auxilliary engine, so never expect to deploy the oars to paddle out of trouble, but they're reassuring to have all he same.

Poly · 23 January 2016, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starovich

If it's too shalow to run the engine, its wading depth

.

you needs some proper mud to learn that lesson!

Nos4r2 · 23 January 2016, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

you needs some proper mud to learn that lesson!

Yep, I was just thinking that's a man who's never waded through Poole harbour mud...

Maximus · 23 January 2016, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by treerat

Folks

On the older boats I always had a set of paddles, they fitted great on holders at the bottom of the tube almost on the floor.

On the new toy the tubes are oversize and the paddles would stick out into the foot space if I put them there. They look daft stood upright and the thought of them on top the tubes isn't appealing.

So time to look at options, do you carry paddles, what type and where do you stow them if you do?

Ta

Andy

IME Paddles are often handy on a RIB..even on larger Boats...and not just for paddling...although in calm conditions two people can make headway...also fending/pushing off walls,piers,depth guageing close in...coming along side ect.
Over sized tubes on RIBs are often easier to fix paddles to as you normally have a larger "over hang" just make sure they are fixed low down...and they'll be out of the way.
I carry clip together ones which work pretty well.

Tim M · 24 January 2016, 00:59

I would say always carry paddles on any open boat. Very handy if the worst does happen - and sometimes that can be meters away from the slipway or pontoon just as your setting off. If you can't tuck them under the tubes, how about get a fold up set that you can put inside a seat or console? Most two piece sets are very easy to cut down if you need to take a bit off to make them fit.

jyasaki · 24 January 2016, 02:39

I agree with Maximus. Fending off hard objects, allowing someone on another boat to maintain proximity but still hold off, picking up plastic bags and other limp trash (though a boat hook works better for that.)

You can avoid hitting things with some frantic paddling, but I wouldn't want to have to cover any sort of distance (over a hundred feet or so) with them.

jky

jambo · 24 January 2016, 06:59

I have always carried them for all the aforementioned reasons. Mine are the ones that are also boat hooks and are stored along the tubes on Velcro tabs already fitted by Ribcraft.

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

jonp · 24 January 2016, 08:11

Over here they are part of the legal requirement, even the twin engine 7.7m dive boat I've been working on has them.

HUMBER P4VWL · 24 January 2016, 08:25

Always had two big wooden oars that we row out with in the dinghy. They slot/tuck under each tube nicely at the back.

Used very regularly for pushing off from shore/ jetty, fending off rocky jetties, punting to engine down depth, reaching for dinghy when miscalculated the approach, pushing a rope/pot off the prop/skeg when you've drifted on to one, holding a dogfish down without touching it, the list goes on.

Very useful.

Maximus · 24 January 2016, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

Always had two big wooden oars that we row out with in the dinghy. They slot/tuck under each tube nicely at the back.

Used very regularly for pushing off from shore/ jetty, fending off rocky jetties, punting to engine down depth, reaching for dinghy when miscalculated the approach, pushing a rope/pot off the prop/skeg when you've drifted on to one, holding a dogfish down without touching it, the list goes on.

Very useful.

Holding a Dog fish without touching it!??

Now that's a new one...!

Sorry Mate but that tickled me Big time!

I know their skin is a bit rough...but they are COMPLETELY HARMLESS.
You can get over the abrasive skin for disgorging ect...simply by gripping firmly around the Head/Gills and doubling up the tail in the same hand,won't go anywhere.

Pikey Dave · 24 January 2016, 09:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

IME Paddles are often handy on a RIB..even on larger Boats...and not just for paddling...although in calm conditions two people can make headway...also fending/pushing off walls,piers,depth guageing close in...coming along side ect.
Over sized tubes on RIBs are often easier to fix paddles to as you normally have a larger "over hang" just make sure they are fixed low down...and they'll be out of the way.
I carry clip together ones which work pretty well.

They also make a handy weapon when some inconsiderate bar steward decides to use your boat as his fender against a barnacle encrusted piling👍

tony t · 24 January 2016, 09:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

They also make a handy weapon when some inconsiderate bar steward decides to use your boat as his fender against a barnacle encrusted piling👍

You just won't ever forgive him will yea

Pikey Dave · 24 January 2016, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony t

You just won't ever forgive him will yea

Never cross a Yorkshireman, we bear a grudge

Maximus · 24 January 2016, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Never cross a Yorkshireman, we bear a grudge

Yeah but "sorting em out" (with interest!)....is ALWAYS the best way to "Move on" and "Budge that Grudge!"

HUMBER P4VWL · 24 January 2016, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Holding a Dog fish without touching it!??

Now that's a new one...!

Sorry Mate but that tickled me Big time!

I know their skin is a bit rough...but they are COMPLETELY HARMLESS.
You can get over the abrasive skin for disgorging ect...simply by gripping firmly around the Head/Gills and doubling up the tail in the same hand,won't go anywhere.

Glad it made you chuckle😄
Was just running through things I'd used it for. Had the line in one hand and it made sense at the time just to lay the flat oar that was next to the fish on top of it, rest my foot on that and remove the hook. Probably not the most driving reason to carry oars on board but heh, it can and did happen!

Seen my old man hold tail and head in one hand, start removing the hook then the tail slipped out, wrapped round his wrist and gave a good squirm or three before he could get a hold again. Wrist was properly sandpapered and bleeding to be fair.