Oars for EZ FISH II needed badly

[jkilday4]

When I got my Star Inflatables EZ Fish II (http://www.starinflatables.com/mods/...p?idproduct=11) ~3 yrs ago, I got the wooden 'Caviness' oars that come with the deluxe package. From day one I've had problem with them working their way out of the oarlock horns.

Not after too many frustrating and sometimes even perilous situations, I took the oar rights and sleeves off the oars and wrapped some small-gauged nylon rope on the oars to build them up closer to the oarlock horn diameter.

This modification did help a bit, but over time the thicker diameter oars have begun to catch in the oarlocks with the outer sleeves of the oars developing wear grooves where they get stuck in the horns.

White lithium grease was a good temporary solution to the sticking, but bottom line is that if I really want to dig with this set-up, the oars are coming out. This can make for a nice burst of panic right at the wrong time.

So I'm in the market for a new or used set of good oars that would work well with this boat. I think I would like to stay away from oars with these limiting oar rights as well - too much extra movement and banging and reaching when it comes time to move them out of the oarlocks for feathering.

Any ideas or sources would be appreciated.

John

[jladdsmith]

I have two 7' 4 piece aluminum oars from an Outcast pontoon if that would help you.  Have the brass oarlocks as well.  These are oval in shape where they meet the oarlocks and don't come out once they're slid down into position. 

These came with the boat and I only used it once with the oars.  I cannot row. 

[Bfish]

As I mentioned on SEFF, I need to know oar length, shaft diameter (or oarlock width, same thing), and oarlock pin diameter.

PS the ovals oarlocks above are Saywer Cobras and are very nice.

[grumpy]

Good move on removing the oar rights, i never liked those things at all. NRS generally has some spring specials, might give them a look if you want a new set.

Grumpy

[jkilday4]

As I mentioned on SEFF, I need to know oar length, shaft diameter (or oarlock width, same thing), and oarlock pin diameter.

PS the ovals oarlocks above are Saywer Cobras and are very nice.

Oar length: 82.5"
Oarlock size: 1-7/8"
Minimum width between horn points: 1-9/16"
Pin Diameter: just under 5/8"

[Bfish]

Oarlock shaft sizes (pin) are 1/2 or 5/8 inch.  So if it is just under 5/8" I am assuming it is 1/2".  I would go with new oarlocks, the Saywer Cobra mini-magnums are great and can be adjusted by using a vice to make the opening tighter. But your existing ones probable work just fine.

For oars I would go with the Cataract mini-magnums or Sawyer SST.  Be sure to get a plastic oar sleeve (or oar rights): http://www.clavey.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_16&products_id=757 
Of course you could rope wrap it again, but for me they are too much maintenance. Seems like I am always putting more polyurethane back on top of the rope.

Depending on where you buy, you may want to consider breakdown oars, when you add in shipping cost they can often be nearly the same price.

Sawyer utility wood oars, Gull, and Carlise Economy oars would all work too.  Although I would suggest staying away from Carlise, as there oars have really taken a down turn since Johnson outdoors has bought them out.  Cheaper grade of plastic, and lots of breakage. Especially the economy oars.   

[jladdsmith]

I went out and measured the oars and locks for the ones I have.  These came off of one of the highest end pontoons out there, and since I've 'repurposed' the boat, I do not need them.  Google for "Fishcat Cougar" to see images of the oars and locks.

If you're replacing the oars and locks with ones that are meant to be together, I don't see where any of this matters except the pin width and length, but here you go:

84 1/2" length.
ID at widest point of the inside of the lock is 1 13/16.
Pin length is 2 5/8" total, but is shimmed on mine with UHMW bushings.
1/2" pin width.

These are the straight blades, but can be swapped out for other styles.  The oars have a plastic sleeve, where it contacts the lock, probably UHMW. I was thinking earlier that the actual oars were oval in shape, but was confusing that with one of my kayak paddles.  Looking at it again, these are round.  They do not come out of the locks once slid down where the plastic sleeve is meant to ride.  If you're really worried about an ohshit moment, you might consider a small locking clevis pin installed at the opening of the locks.

If this would work for you, you're welcome to pick them up and try them out.