Re: do you keep oars onboard?
Yes you need at least one oar, if for no other reason to pummel the dope who won't help row when the time comes. Seriously, get one with a boat hook handle...very handy. Then buy a good used 3 to 7.5 hp outboard as a kicker (backup). Much handier than rowing, and a good excuse to get another smaller boat (wink, wink...but honey, I really need one).