Oars vs paddles

roamingpixel · 13 August 2019, 15:14

I have just bought a RIB with a 50hp engine. There is no space on the transom for a second outboard so I would feel a lot safer if I had an oar or a paddle on board.

The boat is a 5.2m Humber Assault and I was wondering what I would be better off with. I am mostly on the Thames but on the odd occasion may venture down to the south coast and head towards Isle of Wight/Solent areas.

I was first thinking of getting 2m solid wood oars but then realised I wouldn't have anywhere to mount them ... then considering the size of the boat realised a paddle might be excessive hard work

What would be the recommendation?

Wightdiver · 13 August 2019, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by roamingpixel

I have just bought a RIB with a 50hp engine. There is no space on the transom for a second outboard so I would feel a lot safer if I had an oar or a paddle on board.

The boat is a 5.2m Humber Assault and I was wondering what I would be better off with. I am mostly on the Thames but on the odd occasion may venture down to the south coast and head towards Isle of Wight/Solent areas.

I was first thinking of getting 2m solid wood oars but then realised I wouldn't have anywhere to mount them ... then considering the size of the boat realised a paddle might be excessive hard work

What would be the recommendation?

I have 2 telescopic paddles, if there are 2 of us on the boat with one on each side you can get it moving but with any kind of current you will struggle.

Andy

Iankristy · 13 August 2019, 15:59

Other than mebbe tootling about a protected marina oars will be close to useless. If you really can’t fit an aux( plenty people in here with Humber assaults who can maybe suggest how it’s possible, outboard brackets etc) then you’d be better investing in alternative safety equipment if you don’t have already. Anchor and warp, sea anchor, dsc radio, towline, plb, flares, charts/ gps, depth sounder, knife, etc, etc. If you can make your situation safe and stable you will be able to wait for assistance [emoji106]

Fenlander · 13 August 2019, 16:12

OK just a 3.8m SIB here and not making a case for hand propulsion with a RIB just on the oars vs paddles thing...

My Bombard came with the standard Zodiac telescopic plastic bladed/alloy tubed paddles. I don't have the modern version of rowlocks that many SIBs have hence just paddles.

But I've found them annoying in several circumstances so have upgraded to a pair of smallish wooden oars (5ft) bought used.

So much better. Being just that bit longer easier to get over the tube into the water. Easier to grip and to get power into your paddle strokes. Better for pushing/fending off the unexpected such as big old fishing boats, walls, pontoons etc. More suited to punting or depth probing. Quicker to deploy for my crew avoiding the "which way do you turn to lock them" debate. Never fold unexpectedly. Much stronger than the plastic paddles which will break in the cold (Scotland in August in my case).

Just my thoughts.

Maximus · 13 August 2019, 16:55

Paddles in RIB Oars in SIB & tender

GuyC · 13 August 2019, 18:28

As others have suggested, paddles only really stir the water.

I'd recommend paddles but don't expect to be able to paddle yourself any distance.

Maximus · 13 August 2019, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

As others have suggested, paddles only really stir the water.

I'd recommend paddles but don't expect to be able to paddle yourself any distance.

....
Obviously (I hope!) you need two Paddles and TWO PADDLERS to make much (ANY!) Headway!

roamingpixel · 13 August 2019, 19:01

Thank you for all the replies

The oar/paddle would be specifically for use in non tidal rivers just to get me to an edge should an issue take place rather than be stranded in the middle awaiting a tow from someone. So current shouldn't really be a factor.

For the coast/sea I have don't have a sea anchor, gps (I'm guessing my phone doesn't count!) and depth sounder but have the other items you have listed

spartacus · 13 August 2019, 21:43

Telescopic paddles are useful, but not for rowing. Get a picture of the Humber transom up... its amazing what you can fit auxilliary wise.

Nos4r2 · 15 August 2019, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

....
Obviously (I hope!) you need two Paddles and TWO PADDLERS to make much (ANY!) Headway!

Pretty much.

Had quite a lot of fun with 2 of us paddling the 5.4 up the Medina drunkenly singing the theme to Hawaii 5-0. It doesn't move much with only one.

Fenlander · 15 August 2019, 10:55

>>>The oar/paddle would be specifically for use in non tidal rivers just to get me to an edge should an issue take place rather than be stranded in the middle

And if that's all you achieve with some form of paddle/oar it's worthwhile.

Last year when a previous engine failed twice in an estuary on quite a breezy day we'd have bust a gut trying to paddle (or row) against the wind back to the slipway but were able to influence our direction of drift enough both times to pick up a mooring buoy and sort the engine enough to get back in.