I'm looking at a number of different pond boats. Mostly 9 or 10 feet.

I have access to a pond, but it is restricted to NO MOTORS. While there are a number of other non-restricted ponds I can fish, this one is close and full of 1.b bass.

Can I row the pond boat? Are they set up for rowing? I can add oarlocks, but only if the rowing works reasonably well. The entire pond is only 8 acres. so the rowing distance isn't an issue.

Does anyone own a pond boat that they row on occasion?

Thanks for any help. R

Because of it's wide platform it's not ideal, but can be done. I have learned that using the kayak style oar (double blade) works better than a singe blade oar. You'll get better response. It will also help to have a makeshift rudder on the back.

Many ponds/lakes will state no motors, but will allow a trolling motor. Not sure if this is the case in your pond. As Medina mentioned above, rowing will work, but not generally ideal. Will be tough in any wind.

Rowing or paddling may not work, if someone has to go into wind and waves, but it depends on how young and strong they are. The brick shape and heavy weight as well as the paddling position require a lot of effort to make Headway compared to a kayak or rowboat. But if the pond is in a protected area paddling may work well enough to get around slowly.

You'd be much better off in a canoe.

OR ... can a rowboat be pawned? They're out there ... Agree with canoe.

Could try a push pole on a small pond.

I have a watertender that rows just fine. I prefer using a trolling motor but rowing isn’t bad. It’s setup to row backwards so it takes some getting used to. I’ve rowed some aluminum jonboats as well with the same ease. The key is having the right length oars.

As regards rowing backwards, I rigged a couple of quick release rear view bike mirrors attached to the side of my Float Tube. Really helps my neck, by not having to spin my head around, when moving at speed, and when the water is crowded, or has a lot of obstacles. I have also used sculler's view mirrors which attach using a headband, but they don't work as well for me.

There have been a variety of hand and foot crank Motors devised in the past which have been used instead of oars. One of the best was the Man-U-motor, it used a spring-loaded hand operated lever which was worked up and down, but it is not made anymore and neither are any of the others. But Walmart carries a hand crank version, doesn't seem very highly rated, but at least Walmart has a very generous return policy.