Basic Rowboat Questions

[Lobo 1]

This may sound a little stupid to some of you but it's bugging me. I have 2 - 12 footers that I row or power with trolling motors and one has no oarlock sockets, came that way from dealer.

Question #1: How do you measure for proper placement of the sockets?

Question #2 - When positioning the oarlocks on the oars, ( I think, when the oars are extended horizantaly you adjust them to a certian distance between the but ends. I know you can get more or less rowing leverage by ajusting this, but is there a standard positioning ?

Dumb questions, perhaps, but something I have been trying to figure out. Any one care to answer or comment ?

Many Thanks !
Lobo

 

[njlarry]

Re: Basic Rowboat Questions

1) about a forarm's lenght aft, closer and strokes are too short, farther and you'll get more stroke lenght and power at the expense of your back
2) ends of oar handles should be an inch or tow apart or overlap by one hand width. I much prefer loose oarlocks-round or open- that allow you to change oar lenghts.

 

[Lobo 1]

Re: Basic Rowboat Questions

Thanks for the reply Larry. That's about what I figured but wasn't sure. It is natrurally adjustable to the individual and stroke you desire. I was just looking for a standard or starting referance to go by for the sockets. As too the ore length, I think I prefer about 1 inch or more between the but ends as I have on occasion on some had my hand or finger pinched when oars come togeather. Also it should gve you a little less leverage (but more speed) that way though it may pull a little harder seems to me.

Thanks Larry
Lobo

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Basic Rowboat Questions

i personally prefer these so the individual and set his or her on length.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Basic Rowboat Questions

Ayuh,......

Those are the 1s I grew up with,......
They give you 1 More thing to think about,......
'cause when you Don't,...... The Thumbs can take a 'ell of a Pinch...........

 

[Lobo 1]

Re: Basic Rowboat Questions

WELL I guess I am just too clumsey for those open oar locks ( I probabley would get pinched or loose an ore or both ! ) but the ones I bought are clamp-on so they can be adjusted pretty easy.

Lobo

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Basic Rowboat Questions

My favorite oarlocks are the full circle ones. With those, you put leathers on the oars, positioned so that the large ridge positions your oars in the lock, so you can let go of the oars and they will stop without falling out of the locks. These are great for row-trolling, since you can drop the oars, which will trail, and get on with dealing with the fish.

Additionally, you can feather your oars as needed, and adjust the distance between them at any time. They take a little getting used to, but it doesn't take long.

Such oarlocks and oar leathers are somewhat hard to find these days. I have a pair of bronze ones that I've used with six boats now.

BTW, row-trolling is not just good exercise. The changing speed of your lure as you row is very effective at attracting the fishies.