While the tiller repair was drying we decided to get in some rowing miles. We wanted to try the 8 foot oars to see if we liked those better than the 7 1/2 foot set, starting with the forward station. Went about 20 feet and said "Nope." The longer length required me to dip the grips deeper, and that required changing my knee and leg position around. It wouldn't be any better at the mid station as it sits a bit lower to the water and oar tips would have to be raised even more. Plus the longer oars were heavier, with most of that weight being outboard of the oarlock, which required more effort to balance. So back to the beach to swap out the oars. We also brought an extra paddle, Skipper and I paddled clear of the shore and seawall, then rowed for a mile and a half out to the bayou and back. The boat carries well, not quite as well as Barbashela though. We also practiced boarding with the stern to shore, then pushed off with the paddles, that worked well.
Skipper with her paddle. We are still impressed with the amount of space in a 14 foot boat.
Here's a few shots from the clean up. The boat is easy to rinse off and sponge out. Today we used a wetvac to remove some bilge water and sand, brought in during boarding. The boat is easy to clean out and air dry with the removable bow, side and aft seats.
Tiller repaired and reinstalled.
Here are some tips on cleanup.
Rowed 1.5 mile/Total 3.5 miles
Log of St. Jacques
Your sail boat is amazing and it seems like you have maintained it well like a child. Proper maintenance is required by everything and you are doing so. Great share.
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