I have read the discussions of April for a 16 x 48 driftboat oars. My project is 18 foot with an 80 inch beam. I have purchased 1 and 15/16 thick by 8 inches by 10 foot ash. Plan to build my own. One of the books by Harold Payson says a rough estimate is 11/2 x the beam ,120inches, 10 foot. He also says shorter is better in choppy waters. In Kansas, these muddy river waters, are not that rapid unless you would be out after a thunder storm that left a lot of rain. Some day I would like to come to the north west and try the birth place of these boats. So what do you think the right size is for my boat? Thanks Steve
Since you have 10' stock go ahead and build them at 10'. Make your handles extra long and try them out. If you feel you want them shorter it is any easy move to cut them down to just the right size.