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Ken Hartley wrote in to ask what would be the best way to choose a set of oars for the rowing boat he has ordered for delivery in May. The boat is being built in fibreglass and will be 12' long with a 4' beam.
Ken says "The fellow who is building my new boat does not supply oars and I am just beginning to realise that it is quite a critical matter. It would seem that the right set of oars is just as important as the right hull shape but how does one determine the right oars? I have never owned a rowboat before and I'm quite excited at the prospect of being able to get about under my own power."
The Skipper's immediate reaction to being asked for advice was to say "Don't ask me, it's been years since I did any rowing!" but, with a little prodding, it emerged that he favours deeply scooped, or spooned, blades, although he is happy to agree that the blade shape chosen will rather depend on the purpose for which the oars are intended; for sculling
some favour a flat blade although others like a scoop, for instance; but wood is the only material he would consider if he were buying oars, and preferably teak.
His advice to Ken is to have the oars made to order if he can afford it but, if not, to
at least try and ensure that the oars will be balanced when
approximately one third of their length is inboard of the rowlocks, with the width of the oar tapering down from beyond the rowlock to the blade so that the oars are weighted, at the pulling end, by the extra wood. The correct length of oar for this rowboat will probably turn out to be somewhere between 6' 9" and 7'6" by The Skipper's reckoning,
although it is said, by some, that oars should be twice as long as the
boat is wide which, in Ken's case, would make them eight feet long. In
reality, some people use oars that are considerably longer and others
use objects that are nearer to paddles than oars, it is very much an
individual matter.
One thing one might consider doing, if it is possible,
is to try and borrow some different pairs of oars and try them out, gradually gaining a feel for what is required.
Maybe you have some advice for Ken (or any other reader who may be pondering this question) and will write in with your suggestions...
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