Making a Break Down Paddle

[Regud]

Has anyone here had experience making a 1 piece paddle into a 2 or 3 piece paddle? I have seen a kit by Wildwasser to do this http://boc123.com/store/BOC_Kayak_Store ... emid/14012.

How would this affect the integrity of the paddle? I know the weight would change, but I am looking for an inexpensive way to make a backup paddle.

[perspective7]

I picked up an Aquabound Shred 4 piece paddle on the internet for around $100, unless you are intent on making your own. Might be something to check on.

[Regud]

I picked up an Aquabound Shred 4 piece paddle on the internet for around $100, unless you are intent on making your own. Might be something to check on.

Thanks! That is pretty reasonable price. Can you tell me, is the offset fixed or adjustable?

[perspective7]

It was a 30 degree...non-adjustable - 94 cm. It's got a fiberglass shaft and poly blades...still seems heavy to me compared to my Werner, but that is to be expected, but it just goes in the back of my boat for a spare when I'm in the mood for a swim on Richland! Can't remember where I got it, but it was one of the sites like Austin Kayak or something...I'd just google an Aquabound shred and see what comes up. Making the connections on a homemeade paddle would be tricky because one piece of the shaft must go over the other unless you put something in the middle of them. I just don't see any good way to do it and make it strong enough. Maybe an aluminum tube? between a two piece paddle? dunno... Werner makes some four piece paddles, but they aren't cheap. Let us know what u find...Some other folx may need an extra paddle too! Good Luck!

[perspective7]

If anyone has experience with fiberglass fabrication, let us know some details! What resins to use, what mold surfaces to use...etc. I know a few people that would like to make their own paddles.

[Cowper]

I've made at least two in years past as follows:
1) Cut kayak paddle in half
2) Cut 6" length from handle of old, broken canoe paddle (it helps if you're a pack rat who keeps things like broken paddles)
3) Sand the vinyl covering of the canoe paddle just enough that it will insert into kayak paddle shaft with a snug fit (a tight fit eliminates wobble and minimizes leakage)
4) Figure the offset you want, and drill holes through both shafts, at least an inch from the center joint
5) Install "spring button" to hold the set, one for each paddle half
http://www.amazon.com/tubing-68-1-37-52 ... B002PTQLR0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I was very happy with the results, but when boats got too short for a two-piece break down, I started carrying hands paddles as my back up of choice. Probably the hardest thing was finding a source for the spring buttons (that was before you could "google" anything), but since the kayak paddles were "retired" 90 degree offsets, the button was the only part I paid for, maybe $2 each, you'll need two. Things that use these buttons are telescoping poles of various types; pool cleaning tools, tent poles (like the center post from some picnic shelter awnings), etc.

If you want to experiment with offset before drilling the buttons, you can just wrap the center joint with duct take for a couple of day trips, trying different offsets until you find the one you want.

With a single center joint, the amount of "wobble" was very acceptable. For a three or four piece breakdown, I think the weight of joint pieces and amount of wobble would be additive and less than ideal.

[Fish]

I've done this a couple of times. Cowper's recipe will work well. Both times I've done it, I've written to the company and they've sent me a free "spring button". I agree that used to be the hard part. I also used one with plastic blades once and was able to remove the blades from the shaft. Then I drilled through the blade and shaft, put in a cotter-pin and clip to hold them back together. The result was a passable 4-piece breakdown, though a bit heavy.

- Fish

[bmartin]

As usual I find myself agreeing with Cowper. Hand paddles are almost always in my boat as a back up and sometimes I will start off with them. They are a great plan B; cheap, small, light, and less prone to 'engineering failures'.