Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Oars plan and infos

Hi agin friends.

My hand made freestone is near to be finish but I have A problem.

I'm alone here in France on this type of boat.

I don't know which length of oars use (teh boat is a little 14 ft) and it is impossible to buy oars.

Is anybody have a plan to build them easily and for small $ budget.

Thanks in advance a go ride your boat.

Fab

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on May 19, 2012 at 9:59am

Fabrice: The length of the boat(Freestone) is not that important. The distance between the oarlocks determines the length of the oar. Shaw and Tenney here in Maine have been making oars since 1858. Go to shawandtenny.com and you will get information on purchasing oars - but they are not cheap.

Measure the distance between the oarlocks. Divide that in half and add 2 inches.- Call that number X. The length is X divided by 7 and multiplied by 25 to get the length. So lets say your distance between the oarlocks is 60 inches so X = 30 inches +2 inches= 32 inches divided by 7=4.6. 4.6x25=114 inches. This method is a good approximation but you might have to shorten them somewhat. The ballance of the oar is important- it should be around the middle of the wraping(leathers).

One inexpensive way to make oars is to glue 2 pieces if stock together such that it is 2-2 1/2 inches square and as long required. (probably 12-18 inches shorter than the total length of the oar. Slot one end to accept a plywood blade -3/8 inch or so thick and 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches wide. Shape the shaft round leaving the "handle" end square for ballance.

Look in the photos section- Rick Newman has posted some of my oars recently.

Good Luck- sorry for the english measurements. I never did well with the metric system.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fabrice BOUCHER on May 19, 2012 at 10:24am

Hi and thanks lawrence,

There is 66 inch between the oar lock.

If I apply your method, the oars I must constructing is 125 inch long (317.5cm)

Isn't it so long?

Thanks again.

Fab

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on May 19, 2012 at 11:55am

Fab: Your calculation is correct. I agree a 10 ft would be a little long- thats why its an approximation. You can always shorten them- Rough out the oars and see how they seem to fit. Another factor is how far from the front edge of the seat to the oarlock- usually around 12 inches- and also how far below the oarlock is the seat. I used the same methods/calculation and had to cut a pair back from 8' to 7' 6. Also is your size- are you 5' tall and weigh 200 lbs or 6' 6" and 175 lbs? One of my sons looks like his arms are almost as long as his legs- great rock climber.