Rowing equipment?

[AMFE]

I have never been much into rowing and would like some suggestions on what a good oar is and any suggestions on brands and where to purchase.

I am building a 10'4" chameleon nesting dingy and it recommends 7 1/2 foot oars. I would like to get something that is going to last. I am more concerned with function over fashion. Any suggestions?

I am also going to be installing oar sockets and locks, any suggestions on brand or type would be thankful also.

Thanks

[zeehag]

wood oars sold in chandleries are good. they come in various lengths, so check the length you need. they are pricey.
i use closed ring bronze oarlocks
.

[Don C L]

For wooden oars, Smoker is a very good brand. For indestructible oars, Carlisle oars are aluminum with plastic covering. Very strong, often the oar of choice for whitewater rafting. BE SURE when ordering to be clear that you want 7.5 feet total length because the blades are removable from the shafts, and you may end up with a 7.5 ft shaft.

[AMFE]

a friend recommended the smokers and I was leaning towards the bronze round locks also but only because they made sense to me.

Thanks for the info

[Dennis.G]

I have river rafted for many years and these guys are a great source for oars and oar locks:
Rafting > Oars & Paddles at nrs.com

If you need to store the oars inside the dinghy, you might want to consider take-apart oars. A Carlisle two piece shaft and removable blade breaks down to lengths that can be stored in most boats. If that is not needed, it's just extra cost and complexity however.

[HopCar]

You're building the boat. Why not build the oars? Here are free plans.
Simple Oars

[Don C L]

Closed oarlocks stay with the oars when shipped, held on by the stops. I prefer that also.

[AMFE]

hop car I have to blame something on If/when my dink i made sunk/sinks so store bought oars I thought would be a good excuse! I was actually considering building oars but since I have never owned a set of oars i didnt really know where to start. Thanks for the link.

Thanks for the link Dennis those seem practical.

[HopCar]

AMFE, how about posting some pictures of the boat build?

[NewMoon]

I'm very happy with my Sawyer's. Nice quality, moderate price.

[goat]

If you go aluminum, make sure they float.....
I would also like to see shots of your build.

goat

[nautical62]

I've mostly given up on wood oars and paddles. They tend to cost more and fail much more than aluminum and plastic and are often heavier. I have two split wood oars in my garage and have broken more wood paddles than I can count. Our outdoor program has aluminum and plastic paddles that are now 25 years old and still going strong. That said, I think it would be a shame to use aluminum and plastic oars with a beautiful wood strip boat.

I second Dennis's recommendation about NRS as a good source.

[AMFE]

I have some paddles at my dads house that i used for years with my canoe that are indestructible. I think they are those Carlyle brand that NRS is selling If the oars are what the paddles are that is what I am looking for.

Nautical the Chameleon I am building is built using the stitch and glue method and with my limited skills will i am sure be far from beautiful.

I will post up some pics of the build when i get home for those interested. It has been a very fun project. Just finished laying the glass on the bottom this weekend.

[Don C L]

FWIW
http://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Econo...=Carlisle+oars
Call first to CONFIRM total length of oar. 2-piece means one oar comes in 2 pieces.

[AMFE]

Thanks Don I will check into those. Looks like what I am looking for.

I have got to figure out how to put pictures on here and then I will show progress. I didn't say I was smart.