O k life is settling down a little tiny wee bit, so i figured id muddy the waters and begin my pirouge. My question is ive seen a set of hinged paddles on a dory some where and cant seem too find them. Also in the uncle jhons kit there is no provisions for oar locks couse the boat is intended too be paddled lika a canoe before i start i know that oar locks will need lots of reinforcement.
The hinged oars look way too cool too not try on some boat just not sure if a pirouge is practical for it?
thanks in advance
p. s. ill post up pics when i get started im still planning now

try these links:

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~robruce/Easyrow.htm

http://www.forwardfacingrowingsystem.com/

http://www.reelfoot.com/bow_facing_oars_2.htm

Dave Diefenderfer
Manassas, VA

"Once you set out to build a boat, throw away your square. And if you work on her after she's launched, throw away your level." author unknown

I hesitate to touch this one.Pole and paddle.Keep it simple.

Ciao
Joe O

I agree with Joe. Use the KISS method. Try a double bladed paddle like used for kayaks. Much easier than single blade, lots faster.
Kevin
Imagine, these birds, wonders of beauty all, which may have flown thousands of miles, now come to my decoys for my pleasure and table.

come on guys check out the forward facing paddle set ups and tell me that aint the coolest i am gonna call and see the minimum recomended beam width for them and then decide
if i decide not too go with a articulated oar set up any one ever use a wind surf board sail on a small boat? i think i can get one fairly cheap off craigslist?

ok thanks for the links and advice i think ill just paddle canoe kyack style and maybe next boat will be exotic articulated oars or a sail

I have the bow-facing oar system from Dale Calhoun at Reelfoot Lake, TN on both my Broadbills and the African Queen (A Reelfoot Lake Boat). I really like the system. The stainless version (made by the other guys, a rip off of Calhoun) looks super slick but pricy. Then again, Calhoun was $250 when I got them from him. They really make manuvering easy and are just the ticket for fishing too.

I've used them for 10 years now. Wouldn't be without them.

Regards,

Jim