Are you sure about those oar lengths? I use 10' on my jon boat and they are just for auxiliary propulsion. I used 14' on my 21' narrow sailboat (also with high freeboard) and there were times when I thought they should be longer.
A lot depends on the leverage ratio and therefore where your oarlocks are. The rule of thumb is that the minimum length is 5 times the oarlock to handle length. More for boats with high freeboard.
I'd switch to 14' oars. This will not only be more efficient, but the longer stroke time will reduce the propeller's overspeeding condition I mention elsewhere.
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "tom_the_rower" <ibiubu99@...> wrote:
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> I would like to participate in a 100 mile race in the outer banks of North Carolina in September. My 20 ft, high sided sliding seat rowboat, with 10 ft oars is the primary propulsion, and I currently run a 12 volt trolling motor with a long shaft and a group 27 deep cycle battery. I row every night, big wind or flat water 8-10 miles and have done a 20 mile day. I plan to add a pop up sail for when the wind is with me and also a parafoil sled kite as well. The rules state that I can use electric, but cannot recharge from shore, only solar. I would start on a Friday morning and must finish by Sunday at noon. Most people seem to paddle/sail 20 hours per day and sleep for 4, so some night time usage is anticipated. I would probably try to limit my usage to oncoming wind, which is tough to row in, unless LIPO 48 v would allow me to make the trip using the motor all the time. In either case, I will row continuously, so again, electric is not the only means of propulsion.
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> I understand that Torqueedo initially came out saying their props were super efficient, but I have heard that that was just marketing.
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> My boat weighs 180 lbs, plus I weigh 180 plus maybe 50 pounds of gear for 3 days.
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> Any advice you can offer is most welcome.
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> Tom the rower
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