Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

oarlock spacing, formula??

coming down the home stretch. everything done except seats are "in paint", the jewelry is going on. i decided to change seating layout slightly to accomodate a second person. wondering how far forward oarlocks should be from the front of the rowers seat? i know its different for each person, boat will primarily be rowed by my father who is 5'8" on tiptoes, and weighs a whopping 140# for what its worth. im thinking about 16"...

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by justin nicola on May 26, 2011 at 10:59am

oh yeah, and i have some gorgeous antique oarlocks holders, so i cant make an adjustablke one (like some of the smarter people on here have done)....

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lawrence E. Long on May 26, 2011 at 3:13pm

Justin: 11-12 in from the front of the seat to the centerline of the lock and the seat about 6-8 in below the gunwale works for me- I am 5'9" with Budwizer abs.

Good Luck

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dave Z on May 26, 2011 at 5:26pm

Justin,

Get dad in the boat, oars in hands and sitting comfortable. I have boats that are 9 inches from the edge of the seat, and once that are 11. It depends on the rower, seat position and comfortable arm position. In a "fishing" boat, I find a mor relaxed oarlock distance (shorter) way more comfortable. Mostly on flattter water. Where you need to dig in more on technical stuff, i dont mind the extra reach for extra bite.

If you look at my new boats I made adjustable seats and adjustable oarlock holes- lays up a good combination of possibilites so noone has an excuse not to row while I FISH!

Dave

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by justin nicola on May 29, 2011 at 5:32am

thanks guys. boat is a surprise present so i want it done when i deliver it. mounted them 10.5" to center of lock from front of seat. worst case scenario, ill add another pair. wound up adding an extra seat, so it can double w/ canoe style paddling. i think boat will get more use if he can paddle w/ his wife, who is an avid fisherwoman and paddler. boat will mostly be used on lakes (i know, for shame!) so not much technical paddling. either way, i now have 2 coats epoxy/4 coats epiphanes on the seats, have to get webbing on them, then she is ready to rock. i promise i will get some detailexd shots up within the next few days. getting ready for our perennially late friends to get over here so we can beat the crowd to the boat ramp, taking the classic seacraft out for a spin. happy memorial day everybody, get off the computers, get outside!