Varnishing oars

[Scott Dunsworth]

I just purchased a cheap set of hardwood oars and they have a cheap finish on them. I am planing to add several coats of good varnish before the leathers are sewn on. My question is, they did'nt come with varnish on the grip area. Is there a reason for this? Or is it because they are cheap oars? I wanted to make my own oars but I found myself with a shortage of time. Thanks for any help.

[S/V Sequel]

I would guess the handles are not varnished so the "grip" remains good. Leave unvarnished. I found also that if I cut in a little groove on them it is much easier keeping the correct orientation of the blade in water (eg at night, storms etc.) Try "Shaw and Tenney" in Maine for a good set of oars. Good luck.

[PugetSound]

Rowers tend to avoid putting varnish on the handgrips of oars because it makes them slippery when they get wet. Personally, I get my oars from second hand stores as the stores tend to sell them cheap and my oars sometimes take a beating. I would much rather have a set of oars which I won't worry about getting a ding in than a really nice set that I am always fussing over. I tend to varnish my oars whenever I have some leftover varnish from another project.

[videoguy]

One of the reasons for not varnishing the handles is it is easyer on your hands when you sweat and you don't get as many blisters.

[Ed Harrow]

Ditto that, and for even better results - linseed oil (just the grips). Wet sand them, then oil and wipe off. Repeat oil and wipe once a day for a week; then once a week for a month, then once a month for a year, then once/year after that.

[Scott Dunsworth]

Thanks for the help.