Oar Measurements

[Andy B]

Does anyone have specifications for oars suitable for rowing a CS-20?  The blades on mine seem very skinny, though I have little experience with oars.  The blade measures 28.5" from tip to where it meets the shaft, and 4.5" at the widest part.  Does this seem right?

[paul_stewart]

The Shaw and Tenny  website discusses the various kinds of oars and paddles they make:

https://www.shawandtenney.com/productdisplay/flat-blade-oars

 

In regard to their traditional flat-blade rowing oars they say:   "Our 5-1/4” blade is standard on all oars 7’-10” and shorter. Our 4 5/8” narrow blade is recommended for all oars 8’-6”and longer. Each pair is handcrafted to order."

 

They also make spoon-blade rowing oars

[Hirilonde]

Have you used your oars? Since you own them, why not?

I used Cullers specs for the oars for my Lapwing. They might have been a good design for a boat designed to row, but I found them too long for use as auxiliary.  Definitely check out resources such as Paul linked, but keep in mind that you aren't a rower, but a sailor who wants a plan b.

[Andy B]

Thanks, Paul, good information.  I didn't know that the blade is skinnier on the longer oars (and mine are a bit spoon bladed).

 

Yes, Hirilonde, definitely plan B, or maybe even plan C after the outboard.  I have not used them for two reasons:  (1) the few times I've sailed my boat I've had some distance to go before I could raise the sails, and (2) I'm lazy   But at my normal beach launch I just need to get straight out deep enough to drop the centerboard, so my lazy nature causes me to ask why I'm goofing around with loading the outboard when I could just row for three minutes.

 

All in good time, I've got plenty of other things to fix and upgrade before I worry about the oars!

[Steve W]

Slightly off subject. I don't have oars on Skeena.  But I do have a stand up paddleboard paddle. It's very powerful in spurts for moving the boat, especially with the tiller tamer locked. i can rest one knee on the cockpit seat and my other foot on the cockpit sole and get my back into my livin......

 

I have it always at the ready and it can give me a big reach coming into a dock. I also love that you are facing forward. You probably want oars too..

[Don Silsbe]

I have a pair of 8 footers on my CS17.1.  Last winter, I had to row about a mile with them.  Not fun!  Longer would have been better, but then you have to stow them someplace.  That would be easier on a 20.  I am tempted to try out my 9.5’ sculling oars.  Those definitely won’t stow well on my 17.  If I ever get my boat out of dry dock, I’ll give them a test for you.  Carbon fiber, and light as a feather.  Probably cost no more than a pair of S&T 9.5’s. (They want $600 plus shipping!) Concept 2 Bantam oars cost around $350, back when I got mine.  Here’s a video of them in action on my 14’ rowing skiff.  They’d work great with a set of Gaco oar locks.

[Hirilonde]

@Don Silsbe According to Pete Culler, oars for my Lapwing are supposed to be 10'. I can see where that might be right for a boat designed for rowing. But as an auxilliary I would make them 9' if I did it again. I used carbon connectors to make them into 2 pieces for storing. They go under the side deck and this puts them outside of the combing, so sitting is not encumbered. I like everything about my set up except that I would make them a little shorter.

[Don Silsbe]

@Hirilonde  As we all know, the volume of boats increases exponentially with boat length.  My 9’ oars woked very well on my 15’ BRS 15.  The same oars were awkward on my current Cs17.1.  I have been on a CS20.1 before.  They are mammoth.  Using 9 footers on a 20 would be an exercise in futility.  I’m hoping Andy can hold off until the September messabout.  I can bring my 9’s and my sculls for him to try.

[Hirilonde]

Because no one has mentioned it, Culler, and others use the beam of a boat to determine oar length.

[Andy B]

2 hours ago, Don Silsbe said:

@Hirilonde  As we all know, the volume of boats increases exponentially with boat length.  My 9’ oars woked very well on my 15’ BRS 15.  The same oars were awkward on my current Cs17.1.  I have been on a CS20.1 before.  They are mammoth.  Using 9 footers on a 20 would be an exercise in futility.  I’m hoping Andy can hold off until the September messabout.  I can bring my 9’s and my sculls for him to try.

I see you, Don, and your sly ways to get my butt and my boat to the Messabout