Paddling a Getaway

Can it be done? Best techniques? This is the light wind season so I hafta be able to get back home against a 2 kt current if the wind dies.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I've got wings, so I kneel on the front tarp. Much easier if you have a companion doing the same on the opposite side. If solo, you may have to make correcting strokes out in front of the boat, but it does paddle pretty easily. Never had to paddle against current, but obviously it would be more difficult.

Thanks, maybe I should leave the front tramp off for the light wind season and straddle the bow. So you paddle and steer by paddling not using the rudder, right?

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Right, just guide the boat with paddle strokes. I lift the rudders to the "weed" position, about 45 degrees from vertical and they trail along without causing the boat to veer off.

I steer with the hot stick full out and at my side or shoulder while paddling from the bow.

My best sprint paddle speed on the Getaway is about 2.6 knots. I would not consider paddling up current against 2knots a practical option. I can do 1.5 knots for long term. Does your boat have wings? If so you can bungee the tiller extension to an aft wing brace to hold the rudders centered. I found a stand-up paddle board paddle works very well for paddling from the wings. If you have crew you might be able to make way against 2 knots but you might not have crew after the experience.

In SF bay currents I'd be looking for a trolling motor and a li-ion battery.

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Sail More. Tinker Less. Enjoy a Hobie Day.
-2013 H16 #1`13780
-2014 Getaway w/wings,spinnaker,& trapeze

I reached the same conclusion. I bought a 15 pound gas outboard (2 hp) about a 30 cc engine. 2 cycle so it is noisy and has smoke, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Of course, that meant I also had to get the motor mount. I sure do look forward to warmer weather with more wind so I can play with my toys. I'm staying busy, though. Building the spinnaker this week. I'll post a video on YouTube on the spin build eventually.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I'm down in Redwood City. I'm careful to check the conditions before I head out. I wouldn't want to try to paddle against the current in the SF Bay when it is running the wrong direction.

Mebbe we can meet up sometime this summer. I'd enjoy meeting with another Getaway skipper.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

Actually, I have an old Hobie 18, but launching is launching