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How Do I Know What Length Oars Fit My Boat?

Whether you have acquired an old boat from a family member or friend or have purchased one without oars, you will need to find oars that are the proper length. When measuring for oar length there are several issues to consider including boat length, the rower's height and row speed. If you have these measurements, boating supply stores may have a chart to exact your numbers for the perfect oar length.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Calculator (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance between the oarlocks with a measuring tape. The oarlocks hold the oars on each side of the boat.
- 2
  Divide that number by two. For example, if the space between the oarlocks measures 52 inches, half would be 26 inches.
- 3
  Add 2 inches to the divided number; in the example, 26 plus 2 inches, or 28 inches.
- 4
  Multiply that number by 25. For example, multiply 28 times 25; this equals 700.
- 5
  Divide that number by seven. In this example, divide 700 by seven; this equals 100. If the number is a decimal, round the number to the nearest whole number.
- 6
  Convert the number to feet and inches. In the example, the oar length is approximately 8 feet. Again, round the decimal up to the nearest inch. In this example, the size of the boat would be 14 to 15 feet in length.
- 7
  Consider the speed of your rowing. "The rate of the rowing stroke is proportional to the oar length, with the longer oar resulting in a slower rate," according to Donald Launer and Karen Larson, authors of "Lessons from My Good Old Boat." Round the number down, if you row faster and vice versa.
- 8
  Check that the size you have calculated is a stock oar size. Standard oar sizes range from 6 to 10 feet, measured in 6-inch increments, according to Sizes, Inc.

Nature