Looking for a supplier of oarlocks, etc. in Northern Idaho or Washington. Looking for reccommendations from anyone who has done business with a retailer in this area?
How about NRS in Moscow, Idaho? They have been in business for at least thirty years.They have the Cobra style locks. I believe that they are at nrs.com.
SS oarlocks? hmmm.. I think the "spreading" thing is a good thing at times. I caught an oar once on a rock pretty hard. Instead of breaking my boat or my oar, the oarlock popped and let the oar go free.
sometimes a bronze oarlock is nice if you have to "spring" it open or closed to get a better fit on your oars. I had to do this get more "range" on the oars. I can't imagine a boater spreading open the locks whille at the oars.
Believe me, it can, and has, happened. That is why most of the guides on the McKenzie went to stainless steel. I understand the possible positive value of a spreading oarlock under some circumstances (see Dave Z's post), but my view is that the stainless steel oarlock is safer, especially on big water like the McKenzie, Rogue and Middle Fork. One downside to stainless: very pricey.
My opinion is go with the Cobras from NRS. There are times where like Dave said where its a good thing the oar pops out. Not only will these oarlocks allow the oar to pop free instead of breaking the oar or flipping your boat if your oar gets caught on a down stream rock while ferrying, but they also offer more range of oar motion then any other oarlock. Ive used em all, the Cobra's are outfitter quality, just the best IMO.
Dave: Good to know it can happen. You learn something every day. I suppose the guys that run the Colorado/Grand Canyon in Briggs Dories probably use them.
Richard,
I have a real nice Stainless steel oarlock that we use in our drift boats and rafts. I am an outfitter and I could not buy the oarlock I wanted so I have a guy in a machine shop that makes them. We sell them for $100. per pair. They are polished stainless with the right gap for sawyer or cateract oars. Call me if you want more Info I can send you a photo 541-896-3017.
Ken Helfrich
Helfrich River Outfitters
Richard,
I saw Ken's oarlocks up close at the Boat Festival & they are VERY nice. What I really like about them is a slightly wider gap that allows a freedom of motion with the oars that is pretty unique... and they look great, too.
Wish I would've taken a picture of them...
Greg
Here is a picture of the aforementioned stainless steel oarlocks from the wooden boat show. Hope this helps. I have a few more pics if you want me to send them.
I included a picture of the stainless steel oarlocks but the link won't work, so I looked over the photos I uploaded a few days ago. Photos # 4 29 09 079 and 072 have stainless steel oarlocks shown.