I used to scull little boats when I was younger. Thinking it would be a great back up plan if I can get a central pivot and a long shaft paddle. Any one have success with this type of propulsion? It could be done offset using rudder pivots. Perhaps the cross bar attached to a paddle would make the oar. Good connections would be a must. Perhaps Hobie Wave style clip washers would hold the paddle to the cross bar.
If the sun comes out I will stop pondering stuff like this and go sailing instead!
A year or more ago, there was a thread that talked about rowing a cat.
I think it was centered around a cat sailor in the pacific NW who was doing long distance and wanted a backup power source for doldrums.
On the run, or would do a bit more work and a search
This sounds like A LOT of work.
I prefer to keep sunscreen and beer on board for the doldrums.
My $0.02.
The research I've seen indicates that sculling a cat works, but it may not generate enough power to overcome a current. There's a device that makes it easy to adapt a sculling oar to many boats:
[url= http://www.duckworksbbs.com/gear/scullmatix/index.htm ]
where it is probably possible - it is not an attractive idea to me (actually it its more than unattractive but i will show some restraint)
sailboats are for sailing
row boats are for rowing - never the 2 shall meet
I carry a paddle for the doldrums - and for getting off a lea side of an island with no wind
I have paddled my cat 3 miles before -it sucked (just like the storm that sucked up all the air) but it is do-able
(one person on a 500lb mystere 5.5)
the hardest part is controlling the rudders while sitting on the front beam (best place to paddle)-
a little bungee or similar on the tiller extension is best for securing it but better stay in tune to the weather - if you get a rouge gust - could get wild