Simple Oar Question

[78cj5]

Does everyone carry an oar in their powerboat?

The only thing I have ever used mine for was trying to retrieve a rod that went overboard and fend off a nasty farm dog in Deer River.

[gunflint]

I have one of those collapsable paddles because the law requires it. But with a new motor a good trolling motor and a fire dept. radio I hopefully will never have to use it.

[Northlander]

Mark the law requires a paddle in your power boat? Did I miss it?

[Slyster]

If my small boat has both a gas motor AND a Minn-Kota.. what are the odds they would both go out and I would need an oar? Neither has gone out in my 3 years since I bought them new. ??? Is there a law?

[fishin789]

The boating guide use to say that you had to have at least one oar and a bilge pump or means for bailing water out of your boat,but I don't see it in the boating guide now. Anyone know if this is still required?

[gunflint]

I will double check it but I'm sure sure I read it somewhere. It's possible that it's either for 16 footers or larger used for guiding in the Superior National Forest or for Canadian waters.

[hovermn]

Gunflint,

I've been building boats since '97 and have never read about needing an oar in the regs. When I first read your post, I was a bit shocked! Let us know what you come up with.

Regardless, carrying an oar is never a bad idea. Any number of things can happen where an oar can help. Say you have an electrical problem that wipes your gas and electric motors out. Okay, you have a radio or cell phone to call for help. Great! Now, lets say you're on a river full of overhanging trees that would love to eat you and the boat.

I was in that very situation last year, only instead of an electrical problem, my air drive blew apart! Even had a boat getting ready to tow me right there and they oar saved me from pain and trouble with the trees and current.

Just some food for thought. Regs. or not, oars make good sense.

[BobT]

I have always thought this was a silly law accept for smaller fishing boats.

Unless the lake is like glass, has anyone ever tried to paddle a 16' or larger fishing boat using a single paddle? It is nearly impossible to compete against the will of the wind. You would be far better to just sit and enjoy the ride to shore; it would be less tiring and you'd probably get there faster anyway. About the only use I get out of mine is to push off from shore once in a while. Otherwise it is in the way most of the time.

Bob

[stmichael]

I would have to agree with you BOBT, I have thought about getting an oar,(just in case)I was thinking that I have two anchors, throw one, pull yourself to it...throw the other when you get close to the first one. It may work long enough to at least get someones attention, of course there is the stand by method that was mentioned, ride her to shore, kick back, grab a cold one and enjoy the scenery, of course throw out the drift sock and keep your line wet.

[Gus]

Yup, I carry one or two. I often beach the boat or end up landing the boat in shallow water in some of the lakes I fish. An oar or paddle is almost necessary to get out of the rocks and into motor depth water sometimes. Usually not used for a motor breakdown but for navagational assistance basically.

[nofishfisherman]

For larger boats I have only used the oar for pushing off the bottom or pushing away from rocks. If coming in toward shore to beach the boat I will usually pull the oar out and stick it out front of the boat so its the first thing that hits bottom. You can absorb alot of the impact with the paddle and your arms assuming you are going at a reasonably slow speed. Probably isn't always neccessary but it may save on a few nicks and bumps on the hull.

[nitrokfa]

we were in ontario 2 years ago and the resort owner told us it was required to have 1 in all boats. I never checked but i would think they would know the rules.

[gunflint]

That might be where I read it (in the Canadian Regs) I do fish several border waters and fall under several jurisdictions.

[Bungfodders]

Thoose arent me oars their my wife and daughter

[Ice9]

I carry a motor in case I break an oar.

ice