Thread: Converting a Rower to a double paddle boat

I've tried using a kayak paddle in a boat similar to that. It's difficult to make forward progress due to the boat turning sharply with each stroke.

I've built the OZ PDR and Hannu's 10.5 skiff outfitted with the rig from my OZ PDR. I also built a flat bottomed canoe that was designed to paddled by a double paddle. Why do I say all this? Because the OZ is the best fishing boat of the 3. I mounted a small trolling motor on the back and just putz around the salt marshes instead of rowing. It's very stable. I can throw a shrimp net off of it without worrying about capsizing.

The canoe can technically be paddled by a double paddle but it's very cumbersome and hardly worth the effort and its narrower than the Auray Punt.

Row the row boats and single paddle your canoes.

Thats what I was wondering, if it was feasible to even use a double paddle with such a short boat. Also after looking around at all of the OZ PDRs on here it really makes me want to get started on my own

Charley

Centre of gravity with your legs outstretched is not far from your navel. So your navel will have to be about in the same position in paddling mode as rowing mode, though facing in the other direction.

MIK

If you are going to use a double paddle on a wider craft, increase the length of the shaft so you don't have to reach uncomfortably either side. Not having to shift yourself (and your weight) from side to side will help with the control and tracking. Matching the length of the shaft to the craft can also help keep the thrust close to the sides which will also help with tracking. Most shop bought double paddles are made for standard kayak type widths.

I made a longer than standard paddle for this horrid plastic thing which is too wide for standard double paddles

Dragonfly Innovation Manta Tandem 2.5 Kayak Reviews | Buzzillions.com

and made a shorter than standard paddle for the thinner Ollie Punt. (also easier for my son to handle - the ukulele shaped paddle heads are also not compulsory)

Duckworks - The Ollie Punt ...and other Half-Sheet Boats - Part 1

Adding directional fins or skegs as far from the centre of the craft like Mik's Quick canoe also helps tracking.

Titch

P.S. All one sheet boats should be regarded as great for having fun mostly on but sometimes in the water. So keep that in mind when using the boat and think about adding more emergency floatation than Hannu does (i.e. some!) Turning the seat into a bigger box is one idea.