Hello, All. I learned the hard way that AB inflatables are not good for spirited rowing. The oarlock core (that the oar pin locks into) has pulled free from inside the rubber base enclosure (Image Below).
Attempting to reinsert the locking core back into the rubber base is proving extremely difficult, if not impossible. The small opening is inelastic and will not accept the large core. You may be thinking "If it came out of the opening, it must be able to go back in". I think the sheer amount force generated by torquing the oars just right was strong enough to yank the core out, shoulders and all. Apparently, this is not uncommon with this AB style oarlock system. The factory must have special equipment for the original core installation.
Current thinking is to:
Attempting to reinsert the locking core back into the rubber base is proving extremely difficult, if not impossible. The small opening is inelastic and will not accept the large core. You may be thinking "If it came out of the opening, it must be able to go back in". I think the sheer amount force generated by torquing the oars just right was strong enough to yank the core out, shoulders and all. Apparently, this is not uncommon with this AB style oarlock system. The factory must have special equipment for the original core installation.
Current thinking is to:
- remove both oarlock mounts with a heat gun, then install more robust Achilles-style oarlocks on both sides.
- or, use a dremel to widen the opening on the damaged rubber mount until it is wide enough to receive the core along with generous amounts of glue.
- or, cut vertically with a blade from one end of the circular opening down, insert the core, then glue the cut edge and glue a patch over the incision for reinforcement.
