oars on 21 ft. instead of motor

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May 24, 2012
3
macgregor 21 champaign
i heard that due to its narrow hull and low freeboard its possible to install oars and oar locks instead of the kicker motor. Anyone ever accomplished this?
 
Feb 26, 2009
716
Oday 30 Anchor Yacht Club, Bristol PA
It what was used long before motors were invented!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/203976-how-to-select-rowboat-oars/

Step 1

Choose the type of material for your boat oars. Oar maker Shaw and Tenney recommends spruce as a light yet durable wood that works well with most boats. For heavier boats or extremely hard use, choose oars made of ash, which is heavier and more durable than spruce. Synthetic oars made of plastic, aluminum or fiberglass are also available.

Step 2

Calculate the proper length of the oars by first measuring the span of the boat from oar lock to oar lock. Divide the span measurement in half, then add 2 inches to determine the outer loom length, which is the length of the oar from the end of the grip to the fitting that holds the oar in the oar lock. Also, divide the span measurement by 7 and multiply the difference by 25 to calculate the approximate length of the oar.
Step 3

Select oars with an inner loom and length that match the measurements as closely as possible. For instance, if your row boat measures 5 feet from oar lock to oar lock, select an oar with a loom that is 2 feet 8 inches long and has a total length of approximately 9 feet 4 inches.
Step 4

Choose a grip. Most rowboat oars that are 7 1/2 feet or longer come with a tapered grip. Select a barrel grip for shorter oars. For oars longer than 10 feet, consider a double grip to accommodate two hands.
Step 5

Inspect the oar blade shape. Choose a flat blade for an all-purpose oar. For more pulling power, select a spoon blade. For larger boats or more performance, try wide spoon blade oars.
Step 6

Select an oar lock type. Traditional oar locks use a metal collar, called a button, that prevents the oar from slipping through the oar lock. A leather sleeve below the button protects the wood of the oar from wear. Plastic sleeves that attach to the oar and replace the button and leather are also available.
 
Jun 3, 2004
1,863
Macgregor 25 So. Cal.
Rowing, hummmm.

A large strong man can put out one horsepower for about twenty min.

A little two horsepower kicker can do it for hours with just a couple of galons of gas, no sweat.

Five miles to shore and no wind, your choice.
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,480
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
Rowing, hummmm.

A large strong man can put out one horsepower for about twenty min.

A little two horsepower kicker can do it for hours with just a couple of galons of gas, no sweat.

Five miles to shore and no wind, your choice.
I'm with you.
And where would you stow them? This isn't Ben Hur's galley
 
Sep 25, 2008
295
1970 Venture by Macgregor 21 Clayton, NC
Row, Row, Row your boat ashore

While I have never installed oar locks, I have used oars with my Venture 21 since I bought it new in 1970. A sail boat is designed to move very easily. The Venture 21 is no exception. The boat has never had a motor. I have found that even on calm days there is enough air movement to move the boat, it just takes a little attention.

I have a standard row-boat-type of oar, that I use like a canoe paddle. I have rowed from the cockpit and when coming into launching ramps sitting on the bow. Granted I would hate to row a dozen miles but I have rowed in from that middle of a large lake (Devils Lake near Adrian Michigan.)

As for storing that oar, that is easy. I put mine in the port quarter birth below the cockpit. It fits nicely against the side of the boat.

One word of warning. If you are rowing, are nearing the shore and you start digging into the bottom when you can see the top of the blade (ie about 2'), DON'T be in a hurry to jump off of the boat and walk it into shore. I fell for that at the lake mentioned above.

I was only about 100 feet from the launching ramp, when I started digging into the bottom, it was a hot day and I decide it would be easier to pull the boat the remaining distance. I handed the oar back to the cockpit and slide over the side. I went down, and down until the water was over my head (I am 6'). As I slowly sank into the muck on the bottom I realized I had made a mistake. I was able to pull, (Swim?) until the we were on the shore. After getting rid a the leaches and muck, we put the boat on the trailer and went home.
 
May 24, 2012
3
macgregor 21 champaign
Easy Button

Well I havnt bought the boat yet but im looking for something that i can really push the easy button and i was thinking it would be nice to not have to worry about an outtboard not starting and oil mix and a gas can etc. Ofcourse then again whats easy about rowing a 21ft sailboat. I could buy something smaller But im a big tall guy and to be honest my wife isnt the most petite lady either.
 
May 24, 2012
3
Stevenson weekender 19 roundlake
I've got a Stevenson Weekender sloop that I built myself and I row it for fun and exercise all the time. Then when I finish the workout I sit back and sail.
I also carry a 2 hp Yahama 2 stroke in the cockpit as a backup.
 

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
Look into a sculling oar it won't move you fast, but you can keep it up for a long time. People have been using them for thousands of years, maybe they are on to something...
 
Sep 25, 2008
295
1970 Venture by Macgregor 21 Clayton, NC
sculling oar

Sculling has always fascinated me but I was never confident that I understood it enough to make the modification necessary to do it.

What would you need to do to a Venture 21, to scull it.
 
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