:: Does anyone have any experience with trying to set up a
:: windmill for rowing - in particular any comments on the
:: rowing performance ? (Interested in
:: recreational/exercise rowing, don't expect to go
:: fast.)My suspicion is that it would be very unwieldy,
:: but would love to hear from anyone who has tried it.
:: Thanks
Yes, it has been done with good results. It was fifty years ago, but
the Windmill is virtually the same. Fellow put a plug in the
daggerboard well that only stuck out the bottom a little as a skeg;
he had a shorter tiller and used the rudder when needed. He sat on
the back thwart, although I cannot remember if he sat facing backward
or forward. Both would work. The oar locks were in the wooden railing
on each side of the boat. The Windmill hull is essentially a
'Sharpie', used by fishermen all along the east coast way back. They
rowed and sailed. Theirs was a lot heavier than a Windmill!
Dave Ellis
