I placed them about a foot inboard of hitting the rowlocks while rowing. They are just to keep from losing the oars if you have to let go, or losing the rowlocks if you are using round ones. I use round ones on my Spindrift. I use Davis rowlocks, which are open on my Lapwing. I have them tethered through the socket, long enough to stow them under the deck while still attached. Rowlocks sink, and easy to lose if not attached to something.