Charity paddles- what length do you think?

[Gamma1214]

While I'm waiting for fiberglass, I've decided to clean up another project: Awhile back, one of my horse customers saw some of the wooden paddles in the back of my truck and wants to buy one to be auctioned at the local Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation fundraiser at the end of January (who even knew we had a local chapter?).

I'm curious what something like that might go for & if my craftsmanship is good enough to sell so I've agreed to make 2 of them for her. I'm thinking one Cherry & one Sassafras and she wants them shiny like display pieces so I'll finish those two in gloss urethane. When they're put out to bid, I'll include the option to exchange for the same paddle in an oil finish in case someone wants to actually use it (maybe you can tell by my Ranger but, IMO, "display only" pieces are, by definition, useless).

They'll both be beavertails (my preferred pattern and seems like a very recognizable and traditional canoe paddle shape) but how long should they be? Maybe it's irrelevant since the ones auctioned will be shiny, useless, wall hangers and, if they're to be exchanged for useable paddles I could make one to the winning bidder's specs?

What do yinz think?

 

[lowangle al]

I'd go with 60 inches or close to it. I think that's a good traditional length. I don't know what you should charge. If it was to benefit the starving children I'd go on the cheap side. I don't know what the they are going to do with the proceeds, but if it's to support themselves I'd go high. Like at least a hundred a piece, and that wouldn't even be worth your time, but it is a charity. It would be interesting to know what the high bid is.

Those RMEF fundraisers are pretty swanky events. My good friend and a tripping partner used to be heavily involved with it. Unfortunately at the last one he attended he crapped his pants. I think he switched over to mule deer after that.

 

[memaquay]

Yup 60 inches is a good generic length.