Pole

Drascombe Gig

Pole

Due to its long and virtually un rockered keel Tra Bhui has a great reluctance to turn sharply. While this is absolutely fine when sailing it is a nightmare maneuvering in confined spaces. The size of our outboard along with the minimal opportunity to enlarge the cut out in the transom means that the outboard also wants to keep going in a straight line and subsequently exacerbates the straight line qualities of the keel.

To date we have used our oars to push off the numerous obstacles that have tried to thwart our manoeuvres, however having spent time and effort refurbishing our oars last year I have no wish to see them damaged by their abuse when used in this manner.

The answer is a “pole” or as I advised via the Drascombe Forum a Quant which is what they are seemingly called in the Norfolk Broads. Ideally he pole should be longer than our oars and robust enough to be pushed with but light enough for the “crew” to use. Our oars are approx 10’ long and can be comfortably stored in the cockpit. The pole should ideally be around 15’ long which may necessitate a joint and it being made in two sections.

Ongoing Project  - to be continued