: Those rigid broom keeper are destined to either rust, or snag you.

: Why not go for 2 loops of velcro epoxied to the hull in two places in the
: cockpit, where they are near to reach, and then make a loop of rope or a
: pocket of fabric to hold the far end of the paddle blade. With three point
: suspension it should ride securely, and it would just take a couple tugs
: on the velcro to free the paddle when needed.

: They make a product out of velcro for holding extension cords, rope, and
: similar items. While it comes in various sizes, generally the idea is that
: they take a piece of the 1 inch wide and about 8 inches long soft (fuzzy
: loops) velcro, and attack to the back of it a 1 inch wide and 1 to 2 inch
: long piece of the rigid (hook) velcro. When you coil the fuzzy velcro into
: a circle, it sticks on that piece of the hooks at any length you want.

: If you don't buy these readymade, you can make them in minutes.

: Mounting them to the sides of the boat could be done with a few drops of
: epoxy. You would want to leave enough of the end that has the hooks part
: on it free so that you could use it to snag the rest of the strip.

: If you want a REAL strong mount, you just have to trap the velcro strip under
: a patch of epoxy saturated glass cloth that makes contact with an inch or
: two of the boat on both sides of the strip. A touch of sanding and
: fillcoats and that glass cloth blends in wwith the rest of the boat, and
: the velcro strip is beautifully, and strongly, laminated inside.

: If there is no paddle being carried, the loops can hold other gear, or you
: can leave them open. They are so soft that bumping them won't cause you
: grief.

: As for the far end of the paddle, you can make a wood rack, or something from
: softer materials. Simplest would probably be just piece of nylon rope
: epoxied to the hull at each end. Slip the blade in the loop and when you
: tighten the velcro your paddle should sit tight.

: If you make the velcro strips long enough, and make two mounting spots for
: the ends of the paddles ( maybe one aft and the other forward), you could
: carry two, not just one.

: Hope this helps

: PGJ

Thanks Paul

The velcro idea may just come in handy. I'm going to velcro both my seats into the cockpit and make them adjustable for two ( any size ) paddlers or just one. I'm considering a thwart about 2/3 the say forward in the cockpit for the front paddler to use as a back rest as well, and the paddles would have to mount under that and be easily removable if needed. And since this is a skin boat, I have lots of " skin " left over to make a sock for the blade to rest in and keep it outta the way till needed. More later as I'm off to paint the hull.

Rehd