Spare Paddle Cradle

[Sweetfancymoses]

This might be a problem no one needs a solution for but me. Our spare paddle is held with bungees to the side of the canoe and fits nicely being a bent shaft. It stays there for the whole trip, portages and all. We never broke a paddle, but when you do, you're glad to have a spare.

More often than not as we load the packs into the canoe, the blade catches on the bag being loaded, turns sideways and into an obstacle that needs to be readjusted. Multiply this by x portages a day and you see my problem.

Today, I made a cradle out of a little piece of hard maple lumber. It's glued and screwed to the yoke. It keeps the shaft from moving toward the center of the canoe when the blade gets turned and keeps the blade vertical. This is my attempt at a solution. I'm curious to hear where you keep your spare.

https://flic.kr/p/2jpMKZEurl=https://www.flickr.com/photos/133956285@N05/][/url]

https://flic.kr/p/2jpLwGthttps://www.flickr.com/photos/133956285@N05/

 

[Boatman53]

Looks like that will do nicely.
Jim

 

[ppine]

Good idea. I usually keep a spare on top of the gear pile, loosely tied in. We don't portage much.

 

[recped]

I keep my spares stuffed into the bow (blade end) with the grip end resting on a thwart within easy reach, I would NEVER tie in or attach a spare because when I need it I need it NOW!

When portaging I can just wrap the grip end to the thwart with a short length of Velcro® (which is wrapped around the thwart for storage).

 

[Mason]

When portaging I can just wrap the grip end to the thwart with a short length of Velcro® (which is wrapped around the thwart for storage).

What also works are ski straps (https://www.voile.com/voile-straps.html), similar, but better than the Titan straps you can find in the hardware store--stretchy and sticky. Or, the rubbery heavy duty twist ties found in hardware stores.

 

[snapper]

All of my canoes have long Velcro straps that are stored wrapped around the thwarts. I use them to attach my spare paddle and fishing rod in the canoe when on a carry (aka: portage), They've held up well over the years and don't add any bulk to get in the way.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.

snapper