Have you ACTUALLY ever had to paddle your 'toon?

[guy48065]

Paddles always make it into the "must have" lists but I have to wonder if they would do any good. Normal canoe paddles would not reach the water unless I laid on my belly on the porch & reached out over the curve of the log. Boat oars would reach but imagine the workout you'd get trying to motivate a barge with a toothpick. If it DID move it would be in a circle
So seriously--does it work or do you have them on board so you don't have to listen to "I told you so" if you didn't?

[MPosey519]

had trouble getting her started back up when we died in a cove. lot of stumps and small branches and such is where we drifted into before I got her started back up. Not enough to push off of , but enough that I didn't want to risk the prop. Used the paddles to get away. walked back and forth left and right sides to keep from going in circles

[OK Toon]

I thought they were only on a pontoon boat so you could waive it in the air as a distress signal

Seriously, I don't see how you could get anywhere with a 22' long pontoon boat and a little paddle. Yes we have one just because "the man" says we have to. I used like a Lousiville Slugger to knock the stuffing out of a wasp one day -- but that's about it.

[MPosey519]

They make good poles to keep your pontoon cover tented up, btw.

[Tully]

No paddle but I used my trolling motor to go about 2.5 miles back to ramp one time. I was surprised it ran that long.

[HandymanHerb]

That why I had the TM on mine before to get me back to the dock, if you have any wind your not doing anything with a paddle

[speedklz]

So, if I dont have paddles or a trolling motor and I have engine problems, WHO do I call out on the lake? Wonder if TWRA would tow me back..

[DRock]

I keep one on the boat. The only time i've used it is while camping for the weekend in the camper, and have the pontoon beached at the campsite. I keep the pontoon keys in the camper while we're not using it. I have pushed off from shore, go to start it, and no keys to be found . I'll use the paddle to get back to shore, but i don't see how a paddle would be of much use if you're out in the open with wakes and wind.

[Tully]

Several tow services available. Check with your marina. My engine seized up 6 miles from ramp. 2 hours and $150 later and I was back at ramp.

[steveiam]

I don't have a paddle-I DO have a 12 ft pole ( conduit )
That could help in shallow water-
It also helps as a shallow water anchor, and a push pole from shore in cold water.
I have made "gentleman's agreements" with a few select buddy's that if one of us broke down, if possible we would load up and come get each other-
I have had to use this once, but I was lucky enough the guy that came and towed me wasn't far from the lake.
I will be willing to load up and get one of the other guys just to keep this going for us.

[GXPWeasel]

Never had one on our boat, and probably never will. I have a boat hook and 2 legs to swim with. Other than that, we're SOL if we can't get her started back up. In the Kansas wind, and with a 26 foot toon, and usually 4-6 passengers, you're not going to paddle anything. I have other friends with boats on speed dial, and wouldn't be afraid to call them if necessary.

[guy48065]

I think these responses are a good reality check
My old pontoon is bare bones with no furniture. Other than 2 small anchors all it had on board was 1 umbrella chair, a flyswatter and 2 boat oars. Not sure if the PO thought they were SO important that they must be included with the boat...or so useless they weren't worth taking.

[Ron Burgundy]

Paddle + pontoon boat = useless

[spurhunter]

So, if I dont have paddles or a trolling motor and I have engine problems, WHO do I call out on the lake? Wonder if TWRA would tow me back..

BoatUS is a great deal if you ever need a tow, or gas....not that I have ever needed such.

But TWRA will tow you if they come by, you cant call them for a tow though.

[jimrs]

This is a problem that has grown over the last few years. When I first started boating and you saw a boat in distress you went to help. Today they look the other way and continue on with their fun. People today just don't care if your stuck out on the lake until you die trying to get yourself and party back to shore. Cell phones are a great tool if you have friends and can get a signal otherwise your on your own.