Does anyone have a recommendation for an emergency paddle?

[JohnnieMo]

We have two paddles in our z3 when the engine let go we couldn't even turn the boat with them never mind getting it to move in a straight direction. We kicked open the cooler and drank until a sea-doo pulled us to the dock lol

In Canada it's a safety requirement to have paddles, as silly as it may be. Of course you also need a hacked up milk jug as a bailing bucket too :P

[IDBoating]

Speaking of bailing... has anyone ever installed a ball valve on their engine raw water intake thruhull? I think it's interesting that many folks fret about having a valve on every ballast pump intake (which are generally 0.75 or 1.0 inch) yet even the factory doesn't bother on the engine's 1.25 inch thruhull. A hacked up milk jug would have a hard time keeping up with a good leak from a 1.25 inch thruhull....

[trent]

Mine came from the factory with one already installed.

[LKG PH Creek]

Mine came from the factory with one already installed.

Would that be the ball valve or the milk jug?

[trent]

The milk jug was a $1000 option
But they included the ball valve for free!!!!

[Joeprunc]

Good point on having a tow rope aboard! I just purchased 1/2" dia. rope from homedepot, tied loops at both ends, installed a plastic float and clip at one end. I have probably towed 10-12 people in the past three years.

[trent]

Good point on having a tow rope aboard! I just purchased 1/2" dia. rope from homedepot, tied loops at both ends, installed a plastic float and clip at one end. I have probably towed 10-12 people in the past three years.

Just curious what this looks like?
Are you towing from the transom eyes? one or both? The again maybe the hook is for the bow eye of the boat being towed?

[M&M]

2000 20 ci Missouri Ozarks. Duh..... It's not, if I ever need a paddle, it's when I need a paddle! When I cannot flag down a tow, I have 2 canoe paddles under the bow and console. I also carry a fire extinguisher and an anchor. M&M

[EricU]

Do you guys keep an emergency paddle on your boat? If so does anyone have a recommendation for one that is collapse-able? or combines the paddle with a boat hook?

Get a regular wood paddle and paint the paddle portion bright orange, it helps do three things;

1. You pass any Sheriff's inspection
2. You can wave it in the air at others when you boat has died
3. You can push off the dock when your idiot buddy comes in too fast to the dock

!

as an actual paddle....???