Towing a Paddle Boat - Best Way - Paddle Fixed or Free

[GILow]

Actually, the solution is in two parts.

First, fix the paddle.

Next, tow it through some flotsam which will remove the blade(s) in the water, after which there is no additional drag.

[sanibel sailor]

With a sternwheeler, the wheel is supported by a triangular structure. Replace the oblique struts that neutralize the lifting force of the wheel with hydraulic rams to lift the wheel clear of the water when needed. Easy solution if I'm spending someone else's money.

[dfelsent]

I figure that paddle blades are replaceable in the field. So remove three of so blades, rotate the paddle til the missing blades are down, lock the paddle in place and away you go.

[Brewgyver]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

I suspect that the builders of stern paddle wheel boats either put enough rise in the bottom of the hull or mounted the wheel far enough back from the transom to allow the paddles to work efficiently and that consequently, unless you towed it fast enough to get up onto the plane, a fixed paddle in the flow would generate a lot of drag.

Freewheel the beggar for best towing efficiency.

I don't think there's much risk of getting a stern-wheeler up on a plane.