We don’t see a lot of inflatables being rowed these days. Most use outboard propulsion. But when the oars are in use those typically supplied by the dinghy builders are of marginal use.
Consider this and the next photo.
The blade area is too small, and the length of the oars inadequate. The short oar shaft forces an inefficient downward angle to the stroke.
The answer is simple; longer oars with bigger blades. The difference will be dramatic, particularly when rowing against a breeze and chop.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 21, 2009)
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on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 8:30 am and is filed under Dashew Logs.
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Comments or Questions?
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Steve,
We’re big fans of your blog and the FPB. I hear through the grapevine that one of the 64′ is going to a lucky owner in our homeport of Anacortes, WA? Are you familiar with the Portland Pudgy? I have one — it’s an awesome little all-purpose dingy/lifeboat that rows (with 7′ oars that LOCK in place), sails, and putts along in all manner of harbor chop and currents. Check it out: wwww.portlandpudgy.com
Best wishes, Richard
Whidbey Island, WA, USA
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