11' oars

[hikingchrs]

Where is the best place to obtain plans for 11' oars? Pete Cullers's book? if so What is the name of the book and the best place to buy it thanks
Chris

[Steve Paskey]

Pete Culler's book "Boats, Oars, and Rowing" has lots of information on oarmaking and a drawing for an 8-foot set of oars. And his book "Skiffs and Schooners" has a drawing for 9-footers, along with a two pages of discussion.

I'm sure you wouldn't want to just scale it up, but I'm no expert and don't know how to revise it for an 11-foot long pair. For instance, in Skiffs and Schooners Pete says that the widest part of the oar should never be more than 4 inches, regardless of how long it is.

In any event, the books can probably be found used through www.bookfinder.com (http://www.bookfinder.com), www.abebooks.com (http://www.abebooks.com), or one of the other used book sites.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm not sure if Pete Cullers book has exact plans for 11' oars but it should have enough information to get you there. The book is Boats, Oars and Rowing and unfortunately it is long out of print so your only options are used book dealers, eBay, or the library. Copies do show up occassionally on websites like http://www.abebooks.com

Steve beat me to it...

[Bob Smalser]

Woodenboat Issue # 127 (Nov ’95) has my favorite plan for basic oars without having to buy anything....and the S&T website has the length formula:

http://www.shawandtenney.com/wooden-rowing-oars.htm

You don't need a full-length pattern, just the lower and upper loom patterns. Then you figure your oar length, cut the stock to length, lay down the two patterns at each end using a centerline, and connect the patterns using a batten as a straightedge. The Culler book likes lots of weight on the handle side for balance at the rowlock, leaving the upper looms fatter than most.

[Spokaloo]

Speaking of, I happened upon a website of someone building Big Blade (hatchet style) oars out of 2x12 stock, but cant seem to find it again. Does anyone have photos, plans, or have they seen/linked to that page? I need to make some oars for the Thames (almost done with it!) that are 10' long, but prefer the cleaver blade.

E

[hikingchrs]

Thanks for responces. Bob I made a pair of 8' oars 2 years ago using the plans in WB 127... I was really hoping to find a couple of plans with different sized blades and so on....

[ebent05]

Michael Storer has oar plans online, no charge, direct link:

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~storerm/Paddles/FreePaddle.html

or

Michael Storer home page: look on left side of page for free plans

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~storerm/


Duck Trap Woodworking has plans at a cost, direct link:

http://www.duck-trap.com/2002oars.html

or

Duck Trap home page:

http://www.duck-trap.com/dtw.html