new to building

The boat in the picture is sexy looking but woefully inefficent insofar as propelling it. If you try to make any speed with it you will be pulling up a wake the size of a dump truck. If you are satisfied with not more than walking speed it will be OK, but still not as efficient as a more technically correct bottom.

The oar appears to be bent at the blade and the blade is quite long. That makes me think of a yuloh. Is that so or does the photo merely make the oar look bent?

 

I agree. The hull at the stern is the worst of all designs for power or sail.

What on earth is the hull supposed to be propelled with ???

 

It is a duck hunting boat. So people add a small motor or an electric to travel long distances. Some just use a kayak paddle or oars depending on the area they hunt and what is needed to get there. The actual design is for one to two hunters to lay down with very little showing out of the water. They use a single oar out the back and is a back and fourth motion move forward slow at 1-3mph and sneak up on waterfowl until in range.

Yes the oar you see does not have curve in it. Some have a slight bend by the handle. From what I understand it is easier to use when there is adverse conditions in the water like weeds etc. Different stiffness in the oar blade play a roll also. If you YouTube scull boat they have a few videos of one in action.

The hull itself is usually 14-15' long 3-4' wide and no more than 2' deep.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kClowyhlzGA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIhsi_evFK0