Question: How to wrap oarlocks?

Hi there WBP,
I would like to wrap my Sawyer Cobra Oarlocks in stead of wrapping my oars.  Any hints out there?  Its a little trickier than I thought.  The line used would be an 1/8" polyester braided cord.
Thanks for any insight,
Kelly

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Permalink Reply by Brad Dimock on February 17, 2011 at 9:11pm
I'm still a die-hard leathers on brass man. Impregnated with paraffin, I find they outlast the ptex and are as slippery if not moreso. I've worn through several ptex wraps and haven't made a dent in the leathers. Kelly--are they well waxed? They shouldn't be sticky if impregnated with paraffin. But beeswax, on the other hand, is a nightmare.
Permalink Reply by Kelly Neu on February 18, 2011 at 10:47am

I'm new to the leathers so I probably don't know how to care for them properly. When I initially waxed the leather my method was similar to waxing skis by using a hot iron.  It seemed to work fairly well.  

 

I brought Johnson paste wax on my trips to re-coat the leather.  I think this might be the problem.  It might be too soft or the wrong composition.  Seemed like I only noticed the leather getting grippy when it was raining out or big water days where the leather was staying wet all day.  Seems like the paste wax may have collected silt which may have opened up the leather to water.  I better go back to your advice of bringing a can of regular old paraffin wax.

Permalink Reply by Brad Dimock on February 18, 2011 at 1:05pm
Well there's the problem. The paste wax won't last or keep the leather dry. Get a tin can with a half a block of paraffin in it. Heat it up on the stove 'til it's smokin hot. Carefully carry it over to your oars and destroy a cheap paint brush brushing the scalding wax into the leathers. The paraffin is waterproof, so will keep the wraps from getting soggy. It will also sweat out its own lubricant as you row. Silky smooth, no grabbing. You gonna like it.
When you're done waxing the leathers, just let the brush harden in the can of wax, and you have your whole waxing kit ready for next time. I try to do it before each Grand Canyon trip.
Permalink Reply by Kelly Neu on February 23, 2011 at 10:57am
Will do!  Thanks.  Most problems can always be traced back to my brain.
Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on February 23, 2011 at 1:45pm

Gee, Ukalady, I thought I had the market cornered on that problem!

 

Rick Newman

Permalink Reply by David Jensen on February 16, 2011 at 8:32pm
I am with Herb.  I have rowed stainless steel locks on all my boats for ever.  They are smooth, they are indestructible.  Everyone here on the McKenzie uses them in Oregon and Idaho for the Middle Fork and Main Salmon runs.  Wrapped oars at the fulcrum have no ribbed feel.  I use 100% wood oars.

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