Does anyone have a recommendation for an emergency paddle?

[trent]

Do you guys keep an emergency paddle on your boat? If so does anyone have a recommendation for one that is collapse-able? or combines the paddle with a boat hook?

[talltigeguy]

A paddle won't do you any good on a boat of this weight and size.

If I really thought I could get somewhere significant with one, I would just use a wakeboard.

I think Utah state law is that you need one if the boat is under 20 feet. So it is not required by law here, and that is probably for good reason.

[chpthril]

If you've got kids, I think a paddle on board is a must have

[IDBoating]

I've successfully used a paddle on a boat this size. Frustrating, and if you only have one you run back and forth and use J-strokes a lot, but it does work.

We always carry a wooden canoe paddle that we have, but an alternative would be an aluminum adjustable paddle that they make for whitewater rafting.

[turbonine]

-Wakeboard without boots.
-Hope some other boat is around to help.

Only had one instance of a lame boat because of running out of gas. This was in Orlando and the lake was only six feet deep so we just stood on the bottom of the lake and pushed the boat.

[JLG]

I usually have ski's or a wakeboard on board and would use if need be. Usually have a working cell phone and buddies that are available if needed. Luckily have only had one instance of years where impellor went out while in middle of lake on a glass day, so just sat around drank cold ones while boat cooled enough to get back to dock.

[Joeprunc]

Yes, you are not going to paddle your way home, but it does help having one if you get towed in and need to paddle the 20'-30' to the dock. I absolutely hate it when I tow someone back to the dock and they have nothing to get themselves that additional 20' to the dock.
I have one of these, works much better than a ski or wakeboard and doesn't take much space.
http://www.westmarine.com/paddles/we...paddle--190835

[IDBoating]

Also carry a suitable towing rope. Doesn't have to be a TOW rope, but something waterproof that floats so you don't have to destroy your expensive wakeboard/ski ropes. Thankfully I've never used it to tow my Tige, but I've used it to rescue other people's boats.

I even carry a tow rope in my jetski - and yes, I've rescued a couple of craft (boats and jetskis) with it. One was a Mastercraft, the owner is a fastidious "appearance freak", and it was a delicious moment!

[da.bell]

A paddle won't do you any good on a boat of this weight and size.

If I really thought I could get somewhere significant with one, I would just use a wakeboard.

I think Utah state law is that you need one if the boat is under 20 feet. So it is not required by law here, and that is probably for good reason.

-Wakeboard without boots.
-Hope some other boat is around to help.

Only had one instance of a lame boat because of running out of gas. This was in Orlando and the lake was only six feet deep so we just stood on the bottom of the lake and pushed the boat.

I usually have ski's or a wakeboard on board and would use if need be. Usually have a working cell phone and buddies that are available if needed. Luckily have only had one instance of years where impellor went out while in middle of lake on a glass day, so just sat around drank cold ones while boat cooled enough to get back to dock.

What they all said. Wakeboards and/or ski's will do just fine.

[TeamAllen]

I just put the kids on the swim step and have them kick

[trace]

If you've got kids, I think a paddle on board is a must have

Too bad there isn't a like button, this is obviously the best reply so far.

[trent]

Too bad there isn't a like button, this is obviously the best reply so far.

agreed Trace.

The paddle is for when the kids get tired!!!

Joe,
I will be checking out the link you posted from west marine!!!

Thanks.

[IDBoating]

The paddle is for when the kids get tired!!!

Yep, you use the paddle to, um, "motivate" them to keep kicking from the swim platform.

[trent]

Yep, you use the paddle to, um, "motivate" them to keep kicking from the swim platform.

I have wondered if electrodes attached to the transom lights might be more effective. That way you don't have to wear yourself out. That paddle can get pretty heavy after a while.

[IDBoating]

I have wondered if electrodes attached to the transom lights might be more effective. That way you don't have to wear yourself out. That paddle can get pretty heavy after a while.

True. Boating can be a tiring sport, that's for sure. Definitely worth thinking ahead to reduce the burden on the owner.