oars or paddle?
 

Just registered 12 foot jon boat with electric and small gas motor. For safety equipment, does one have to have oars or a paddle on board? I do have oars but they tend to get in the way of my rod holders. I have couple of telescopic paddles that I would like to use instead, do the authorities differentiate between oars/paddles on a boat such as mine?
Wanted to get all the safety equipment squared away before I get a hefty fine.
Any info/experience would be great thanks

Re: oars or paddle?
 

you aren't required to have them, but hitting the water without backup propulsion is a bad idea. maybe not that that bad if you have boatUS, but still you'd be waiting a while for help. i run both gas and electric motors, and i have boatUS, but I still never leave the dock without my oars.

that said, using a paddle on something designed for rowing is a nightmare. you spend most of your energy spinning back and forth trying to keep on track rather than moving through the water. keep the oars and move the rod holders.

Re: oars or paddle?
 

i have a 14 jon boat , and like you the oars would be in my way or take up too much room. i bought a telescoping paddle from wally world for about 14 bucks. i have a gas motor and a trolling motor also, but many times i have wanted to get into weedy shallow areas so the collapsible paddle really comes in handy! and its not too hard to move the boat with the paddle.i just sit or kneel at the bow of my boat and that way i dont have to keep switching sides. Youd want something just in case both motors go down. hope this helps.

Re: oars or paddle?
 

Thanks guys, awesome input.

What type of rod holders do you guys have for aluminum jon boats? I picked up really cheap ones at walmart for 5$ they are really iffy?. Don't really want to drill holes. Anyone have any recommendations? Also would like to put a portable down rigger on.

Re: oars or paddle?
 

i purchased the 2 pack from bass pros, they go on sale all of the time. it was 15 bucks for the two.they work great for me and seem to be same construction as the more expensive ones where you only get one holder for more money. and you can take the holders out of the mount for stoarge.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shop...t/97536/110771


i have a little track system on my boat so i was able to slide the bolts into the little tracks without bolting down.i dont like the idea of putting holes in my boat.not sure but maybe there is some sort of clamp you can use.

i have no experience with down riggers.

Re: oars or paddle?
 

Just a heads-up, a paddle for a john boat will be just about useless on a windy day. Oars are no picnic either, but they will get you back to shore much faster. I used to run a 12' aluminum boat on a lake in PA, and the couple times the electric motor battery died on me I was very thankful I had the oars as a backup.

Re: oars or paddle?
 

Have one or the other no matter what in the boat at all times.

Ya never know when you will need them and either will work better than hands or swimming with a tow rope in your hands or teeth

4 years ago...fishing with a buddy on Mercer lake and battery died at the farthest possible place from the ramp and was glad I had two. Doink!

Best bet is to buy a second battery for the trolling motor and you are covered

Re: oars or paddle?
 

Unless the motor breaks. Then you're... up the creek without a paddle?

http://www.mht-b17.com/reviews/evilpinkyring.jpg

Re: oars or paddle?
 

I have two sets of oars for sale if you need a pair. PM me.

Re: oars or paddle?
 

Awesome!