Skulling notch side for left handers

[Adrian Valley]

I'm wanting to cut a sculling notch into the transom of an Ilur I'm building, but as I'm left handed which side of the transom should it be on? In a similar vein is there a preferred side to put a small outboard for a left handed person?
Cheers,
Adrian

[Geftb]

I’m right handed and always and always used my left for outboards.
I dont think it will really matter for the scull. Just whatever works best.
Outboard on port, scull on starboard?
Oars might be better than a scull.
Steve

[Breakaway]

Which hand to use is up to you.
Some engines have a tiller handle that can be mounted either side of the powerhead, to make reach more comfortable.

Kevin


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[stromborg]

Have you tried sculling yet? The two dinghies I've done the most sculling in are my Feather and Portage Prams, both with a centerline notch. In that weird ambidextrous way we lefties have, I scull right handed. That's just how I end up sitting without thinking about it, maybe I should deliberately try left-handed next time.

As a not very accomplished sculler I should have made the notches deeper than I did, it doesn't take much to pop the oar out. I have also considered putting a third oarlock on the transom.

[Hugh MacD]

You might try putting an oarlock on a piece of wood you can then clamp to the transom to find which side works best for you. I think it's a personal thing. Or put an oarlock socket on each side so you can switch as required for any particular situation.

[Ben Fuller]

Oddly enough for best power and to face forward, the notch usually is on the side opposite the dominant hand. So if you are right handed you face forward, right hand across your body, not twisting around. Left hand on the oar as well, then lean into the scull stroke rather than just do it with your arm. The dual oarlock sockets is nice if you don't want to cut notches. On a double ender I have a cross piece like a surf boat so an oarlock could be mounted on either side. Whaleboats had cross piece running to port for the steering/ sculling oar.

[Toxophilite]

I have a center notch and I kind of wish I had an offset one on the right (I'm right handed) . The center one works but feels a little awkward.

[Adrian Valley]

Many thanks for the responses. I'm just at the beginning stage of my build, so haven't tried sculling yet. To be honest I'd rather not commit to cutting a notch until I've given sculling a go and I really like the idea of using an oarlock that can be transferred to either side instead. Anyone got any pictures of this arrangement?
Cheers,
Adrian

[Toxophilite]

If you want to try it out do what a previous poster said, Get a piece of ply (6x8" ish) and cut a sculling notch in it and clamp it to your transom in the position you want. Make the bottom of the notch just over the height of the transom. Try sculling. Move it to the other side if you want. Non- invasive and you can determine which side you

You can also do the same thing with an oarlock on a piece of wood, same difference. It's something you can do once you're finished your build. By then you should not need a picture.

[skuthorp]

I made an approximation of a Gondoliers scull and clamped it alternatively, plumped for left side.
I was forced to write RH at school as they did then. Bowl right, bat left, prefer left on the workbench, left control paddling, left hand is strongest, right fine control.
One brother is completely, and unconsciously ambidextrous. Swaps hands without hesitation.