Hi All,
I’m cogitatin’ on a winter build of a row boat that also sails decently. The Lighthouse Tender Pea Pod , the Skerry and the NorthEaster Dory have great appeal though I am leaning harder to the Pea Pod. Perhaps my subject line question is a bit naive but I admit that my small craft experience has been limited and then to either rowing or sailing never both at the same time. Not obvious to me so I ask.
Since my intent would be to use primarily as a row boat for fair weather boating (aware that fair weather can turn to challenging quickly) in the bay, or on the rivers or bigger lakes, it would be great to also be ready to hoist the sail as conditions are favorable. One of my favorite local destinations is an island about 2-1/2 miles off shore so seaworthiness is a serious consideration. Rowing out to there is a long enough effort that having the sail at the ready would add to the fun. Would be a camper/ expedition use vessel too.
To the question - do you guys leave the mast stepped and the sail furled while you row?
If not, with either of these models, is stepping the mast and setting up the rigging (likely the balanced lug rig) practical while on the water away from the shore?
Am I asking too much of a row boat?
Thanks for chiming in.