: 8' too long? Well, what's too short, then? (now you'll have to make a short
: one, too )

The rock is the shortest on I have, and I dont recall exactly how short it is, but it's a nice shape for a storm. 6-1/2' about?

: To get a cross between the two, why not just turn off the lights, and tiptoe
: out the door, gently closing it behind you?

Ive been trying that with the boats, too I'll let you know when it works!

: But anyway, I remember last summer you posted something about visiting Harvey
: Golden and having a good look at his paddles - all those replicas. Did
: this have any effect on the ones you've built since?

YES! Several of his replicas had a more oval shaft, and were stiffer than anything I had done before. I like those changes. He has replicas of all shapes and sizes, long skinny ones and short fat ones. Another one he had that I liked was a leaf-shaped blade, and I like that too. It seems to have a nicer entry. That's the current #12, and when I get the length right I'll use it some more and let you know. And, I'm playing with shoulders vs smooth transitions. I like them both, and cant decide which better.

: And yes, one more. I recall you having stated that you've about got stuck
: with a width of 3.5 ", is this still the case or have you already
: tried something narrower than 3" ? (No, I'm not trying to push
: anybody "over the edge" - I just think that with all those
: paddles, you MUST have something special, maybe a secret you've found, and
: aren't telling us? )

I did try a narrower one, and it flutters worse. That could be the cross-section, but I have a hunch not. It's shown in the picture on this thread. 3-1/2" seems 'bout right' for me. Wider, and it's a little too much beef. But this #12 is a hair wider, and it is looking good... Narrower, and it flutters. But of course, if you ask me again next year, I'll reserve the right to have changed that tune. Harvey seemed to indicate that the narrow-long combo is easier on the joints. His were thicker-bladed than mine, it'll take a few more experiments along this line.

: Don?