[duct tape]

I need help with my oar length on my 16' raft. The oars that came with it are 11' Sawyer composites with the dynelite blades. The distance b/w each oarlock center is 82".

Just got back from a trip on the Rogue where we rowed 16' rafts with 10' oars b/w 76" oarlock centers.

So now my oars feel a little long. I seem to recall some formula someone posted here about oar length - from the tip of my grips to the rubber stopper is 40", and from the rubber stopper to the tip of the blade is 92". Not sure if those are the pertinent measurements, and also I realize that the final geometry includes my thorax height, seat height, and oarlock height, but at least maybe it's a start.

Thanks for any help.

 

[captishmael]

http://www.mountainbuzz.com/forums/f42/oar-length-for-a-16-cataraft-45177.html

 

[Kinley]

I'd like to know a formula as well.

 

[captishmael]

Ain't No Thang, Use 10 ft or 10 1/2 ft Oars.

Rules of Thumb-

#1- 2/3 of the length of the boat
#2- 1/3 inside the oarlock and 2/3 outside the oarlock
#3- 1.5 times the inter-oarlock dimension
#4- #3 is really the same thing as #2, just expressed differently
#5- If in doubt, the longer choice is the better choice

Peace-

The Capt
__________________

 

[duct tape]

So, based on above around 10.5'?

Anyone else with advice, experience?

Thx

 

[Kinley]

Awesome thanks!

 

[Salidaboater]

I don't know a formula but I have a 16' Sotar and I know it is perfect with 10' oars. I to have sawyer composite and dynalite blades. 11 foot would definitely feel to long.

 

[captishmael]

Your rubber stoppers are moveable so they don't figure in to the equation

The diff between 10 ft and 10 1/2 ft is negligible. Ten ft being a standard length you will find many more of them available.

I use 10 ft oars on my 15 ft cat, 15 1/2 ft raft and 16 ft raft. Ten ft is a good length for all of them.

Remember you can always move your oar towers in or out a little to get a different feel.

Enough talk about oar lengths for now. Get Out There and Row your Boat!!! This is the first time we've had good flows since 2011. Go Git Sum!

Peace,
The Capt

 

[duct tape]

Your rubber stoppers are moveable so they don't figure in to the equation

The diff between 10 ft and 10 1/2 ft is negligible. Ten ft being a standard length you will find many more of them available.

I use 10 ft oars on my 15 ft cat, 15 1/2 ft raft and 16 ft raft. Ten ft is a good length for all of them.

Remember you can always move your oar towers in or out a little to get a different feel.

Enough talk about oar lengths for now. Get Out There and Row your Boat!!! This is the first time we've had good flows since 2011. Go Git Sum!

Peace,
The Capt

Capt.

Thanks for the info and advice. Unfortunately I have another life off the water and it's calling - work, 4 kids, school graduations, parents, etc., so getting much water time on this raft before I leave for the Main Salmon is not looking too good. Thus this info request.

Yes, the stoppers are movable but only up to a point. With my dimensions given in the first post, I have my hands right where I want them, with only about 1-2" between the tops of the two grips when held in front of my. So whatever else is hanging out past the stopper is pretty fixed.

Salida - it was the 16' Sotar we rowed in Oregon using 10' oars which felt pretty good. Thx.

 

[windriver]

I recently put together a new 16' rig. My frame is 74'' wide. Oar Towers 9''. I sit fairly high on the cooler. I took it out for it's maiden voyage and was very happy I went with the 10.5' sawyers instead of the 10'. Both sizes would probably be fine; personal preference is the real decider.

 

[Plecoptera]

Actually, the 2/3 below the lock is a pretty good start. I did mine via the dink around until it feels right method a couple of years ago and just measured to discover I'm about an inch off of 2/3 on a 9.5' oar. I row a 14' SB.

 

[duct tape]

Actually, the 2/3 below the lock is a pretty good start. I did mine via the dink around until it feels right method a couple of years ago and just measured to discover I'm about an inch off of 2/3 on a 9.5' oar. I row a 14' SB.

thanks. I've got well more than 2/3 beyond my oarlocks.