Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Backup oar choices/emergency gear...

Well I am happy to say 3 years after I started my boat project, which included major back surgery I am nearing the end. I have just one hatch cover to fit and she is DONE..

So now that she is more or less river ready my mind has moved to gathering all the safety gear required before I trial her. Emergecy vests, throw ropes, medical kits, and of course now I need to get a backup oar. What are the options there. Sawyer has a nice two peice but are there other better options in this department.

Also anyone have a list more or less of must have emergency gear? The eagle scout is coming out can you see it?

Oh and I need a nice sharp knife in the event the anchor gets caught up tooooo...i would imagine. Something mounted right next to the guide seat?

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on May 26, 2012 at 5:24pm

Joseph, there are two schools of thought on spare oars that have been discussed on the site. School one, always have an oar ready to go. I have only had to have a spare oar to or three times in several thousand miles of floating whitewater, primarily in rafts. I needed an oar right now, not thirty seconds or a minute later. I think that amongst those who prefer to have a spare oar close-at-hand were rowing swiftwater or whitewater. Time was critical in avoiding an accident. If I remember correctly those that had oars stashed or in two pieces were rowing on slower water where response time was not critical. However just like having a knife to free your anchor line you will never know when you'll need a knife or an oar.

So in my opinion I will keep an oar handy, securely fastened yet easy to acquire. I'll bet that others will provide some valuable opinions soon to help you decide.