Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Oarlock blocks.. Glue em, screw em, caulk it ?

So last step on my boat is installing the oarlocks blocks. Made some nice raised blocks out of some nice figured walnut from jay strugnell. What's everyone's preferred method of installing these. The gunwales are fir and ash. They are currently oiled, although the slot for the lock to sit in has no finish so I can still decide a method.

I installed all the gunwales with sikaflex. I wanted to be able to get them apart later and have good success removing things attached w sika in the past with a razor and a high e guitar string. I could go that route. I could also epoxy them into the boat. Or I could coat both sufaces in the slot with epoxy(or oil) and stick em in dry. I'll be doing a few lone screws thru to hold the whole world in place. Any suggested method.

Also, this is for a ww dory, not a fishing boat. I only say that because it is not a question of if but when the boat will slam into the canyon wall. I do want this to be somewhat repairable in the event of a catastrophic impact down in the middle of some canyon somewhere. That said, I don't want wobbly oarlocks either.. What's everybodies method for wood oarlock block attachment?

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Permalink Reply by chris towles on August 30, 2016 at 6:50pm

Here's some pics

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Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on August 30, 2016 at 7:23pm

Those are pretty,

No glue, run two machine screws through the blocks and both gunnels. That's what I do.

Mike

http://www.bakerwooddriftboats.com/

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on August 30, 2016 at 8:55pm

chris,

Widen and slightly lengthen the top of the block to contact the inwales and outwales to maximize the surface area. This will result in a stronger joint and then as Mike suggests add a couple of thru bolts to hold them in place. The bolts will assure they remain in the proper position, they will not add a bunch of strength. It's the wood on wood in the proper position you want.

Dorf

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Permalink Reply by chris towles on August 30, 2016 at 9:30pm

wait til I put the antique finish on them and hand rub them with teak oil.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on August 31, 2016 at 7:26am

have to agree with the machine screw idea and would suggest preparing a second set of blocks for your repair kit. We have had enough reports over the years to reinforce the when not if of hitting a canyon wall. Much simpler to replace on the river rather than trying to try and make one on the river.

Chris, I am waiting on the edge of my recliner to see the rest of your boat. Sort of like Paul Harvey with "rest of the story!" Congratulations on what you have accomplished and on your patience.