Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Oar Lock Positions

Many drift boats have two oar lock positions probably to adjust trim for different weight distributions. My boat plan shows one oar lock hole centered 10 inches from the #4 rib. So if I add a second oar lock hole, how can I determine the two hole locations?

Bill

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on April 25, 2013 at 8:20am

Bill: Not having the plan, the #4 rib dosen't tell us much. Usually the oarlocks are about 10 to 12 inches from the front of the rowers seat- atleast this works for me on skiffs and peapods. Try a "dry" fit at the current location and then see how it fits you. If you are 5' tall or 6'6" the location might dictate the second lock being forward or aftof the planned location.

Good Luck

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Permalink Reply by Brian King on April 25, 2013 at 8:28pm

I just built some oar lock blocks for my drift boat that I am building. I went to Lowes and bought a 2" x 2" x 30" long piece of oar and cut it to the shape of the oar lock block that came with the kit and then drilled three holes 3" apart. The center one will be the 10" from the front of the rowers seat that the plans call for and the other two holes can be used for shorted rowers or taller rowers. I bought UHMW oar lock bushings from Willies boats and drill 7\8" holes for these.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on April 26, 2013 at 4:12am

I have 2 sets of oarlock blocks in my boat as you mention. I have to slide my rowers seat when I have someone fishing in the rear of the boat, and needed a second position to properly trim the boat.

To figure out placement, I sat in the boat with the oars resting on the gunnels and found the most comfortable positions for the blocks/locks, then installed them. It's something that is a personal preference as long as the boat trims well.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Z on April 28, 2013 at 4:58pm

I like multiple positions on oar lock blocks. I switched over from wood with bronze bushings to white delrin. Love it. stuff is self lubricating, quiet as heck (no squeaks) and durable. machines easily. But is pricey. But worth it. I have three positons drilled. Center holes are set for me and my reach, (about 9-1/2" form the seat edge) and one fore and aft. I have a short buddy (and growing kids) and a giant buddy. We just got back from five days of fishing and the oar positions got switched alot. I can tell you who the last guy rowing was. (me!)