Another review on ladders: http://www.practical-sailor.com/pub/28_23/features/4757-1.html I decided to have a means to paddle or scull the boat after an incident a few years ago. We had sailed up to an inlet, with the Marina and town about a mile inside, but up a narrow passage. We dropped sails, but a short had drained the battery, so the diesel engine wouldn't start. And since the battery was dead, the radio didn't work. Neither did the handheld...who's batteries were also dead. Two hours before dark and the Marina was closed for the day anyway. No tow was coming. But since the wind was still blowing, I talked the skipper into sailing in. We short tacked (50 to 100 yard tacks with a 32 footer) up the inlet and sailed right up to the dock. Threw the dock lines to some bystanders, backwinded the main and held on until she stopped. Kinda fun, actually. But that was only possible because the wind was still blowing. Not sure where I first heard it, but the rule I follow when safety is needed is to have 3 of anything. Like when inside a cave, 3 different sources of light...the last being a candle and waterproof matches. Something you know will work. Or 3 anchors. Or in this case, 3 forms of propulsion. Wind, motor, and if those don't work, an oar. Sculling is used because it only takes one oar, which is stored in the bottom of the boat, out of the way. But it does work. Howard M17, #278 On 1/29/03 9:36 PM, "Seawitch" <seawitchlj@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi all, Please enlighten me, why would you want or need to scull your sail boat? Also, has anyone tried the rope type ladders with wooden steps which fold up and can be stored rather that permanently fixed. What are your thoughts and opinions on them.
===== Time for a cool change! Sandra
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