So, Poling…

[Zach Matthews]

Hey guys –

Something of a strange topic, but also something I’m going to have to learn.

[craig crumbliss]

First off gheenoe’s are harder to pole than a regular flats skiff as you’ve found out already.  I used to have a gheenoe classic, a little wider than  Andrew’s boat but pretty similar design.

As far as an online article it doesn’t get any better than this one by Tom Mitzlaff.

http://www.inshorepowerboats.com/articles2.html

Good luck, a little practice and it’s not to difficult.

[Mike Anderson]

Two words, Trolling Motor.

[Tim Pommer]

But the real issue is, it’s so darn counterintuitive.  

Tell me about it.

[Josh England]

I poled my boat for the first time this past weekend, It took a little while to get use to, but once I did, it was fairly easy.
FYI- I did not order a pole in time for my trip, so I used an aluminum pool cleaning pole, you can get a 12′ one at walmart for $20, I got a 16′ at a pool supply store for $30. It ended up working really great, and it’s pretty light, all you need to do is plug the end so mud will not fill it up.

[anonymous]

Zach, if you haven’t seen this, you might get a kick out of Lee Wulff’s guide poling the canoe around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q6-6A3vCpo

Being in Canada, I suspect he used spruce. Down here you might have to try poplar or ash.

Be sure to watch the second part also.

Scott

[Zach Matthews]

Scott –

I could almost hear that noodle of a rod he whips out going “wwwowww-wwwwowww-wwwooowwww.”

Cool old video.

[Tim Pommer]

Back to your original question, I think a boat with a flat stern is easier than one with symmetrical bow and stern.

[Author]

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