Looking for mid cost oars.

[Mackey]

Hi Everyone, I have been using Sawyer oars that I bought for 100 dollars five years ago with my 14’skiff. They are pretty heavy utility oars. I use the skiff for basic rowing, and I get out about ten times a year. The boat is not used as a tender. I would like to get a little better quality oars but don’t want to pay for the very best. Any thoughts on where I might look for a nice mid priced oars and any suggestions regarding oars.
thx Mac

[Toxophilite]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

Making them out of lumberyard SPF isn't that hard. I'd say look for used ones. I would've suggested Barkley Sound oars but they recently went out of business (retired)

[Dave Lesser]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

Shaw and Tenney has a "seconds" sale twice a year. I got some unvarnished paddles with small pitch pockets that were easy to fill for about half price a few years ago. Just sign up on their site and they will email you with the sale notice.

[long time lurker]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/fine-arts/van-fancy-oars-paddles/7189

Maybe?

[WI-Tom]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

Van Fancy has nice oars, seems like good prices. I almost bought some but had someone make me a pair for my birthday instead.

http://www.towerwebsites.com/fancyoars-paddles

Tom

[stromborg]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

What exactly is it that your current oars are not doing that you want them to do? "14' skiff" "basic rowing" "10 times a year" sure doesn't sound like you need finely tuned spoonbladed oars or anything like that. If they are just too "utilitarian" an afternoon with a handplane and some sandpaper takes the blades down to something more elegant (but more fragile too) looking, followed by a week of varnish work of course...

[rgthom]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

I have a pair of Van Fancy spoon blade. They are decent, good value for store bought, but I would call them utility grade. If you got a set unvarnished, then tapered down the looms and shaped the blades a bit before varnishing they could be very nice.

I was also going to suggest Gig Harbor Boatworks, I got a nice pair from them 20 years ago, but just checked current prices and they are not mid price anymore.

[rbgarr]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

Like your current Sawyers, Cabela's has stout inexpensive ones that can be trimmed and made more delicate if wanted. https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cavi...nated-boat-oar

[Mackey]

Re: Looking for mid cost oars.

Thx for the suggestions. Im not looking for anything special. The oars I have are quite heavy. Honestly I have my hands full building another boat so taking the time to hone down the oars I have is not going to happen.
thx everyone, Mac.