Inflatable oarlocks

[sanibel sailor]

New to me used dinghy has no oarlocks. I see lots of different designs. Anyone with strong preferences which style is best or terrible. Hoping not to row much, but good oarlocks are critical to satisfactory performance.

Boat is Hypalon. Do I need hypalon specific oarlocks and will regular glue work or do I need the 2 part stuff?

[slug]

I’ve always had oar locks

I’ve never used the oars

Inflatables are terrible beasts to row

You don’t actually row an inflatable .. you kinda pry them forward

Or pry them in reverse

The choice is up to you

If you go for locks see if you can source Italian style

Combination handhold .... very useful

[Chotu]

Not much of a concern. You can’t really row an inflatable anyway. Better to just make sure you have a handheld vhf and your phone with you. You’re not rowing yourself in against any wind or current. Maybe carry a paddle.

[JPA Cate]

Well, here's another different opinion:

Make timber oar locks sealing the timber with epoxy; with a drilled hole for the pin in the rowlock. Use wide hypalon strips to glue the locks down on the tubes, you'll be pulling against that bond. The glue SC 4000 is good for this purpose. And then use 7' timber oars similarly sealed, and see if you can fit tip protectors. It's amazing how much better you can row an inflatable with real oars. If you have the two part aluminum oars, be aware the s/s spring pin that locks them together will make an aluminum eating battery if they are not fresh water rinsed, and WD 40'd before stowing. You can minimize the hole making process if you are pro-active. And, you can bond a nylon washer around the hole, if you have to.

Jim and I ride side by side, and each uses one oar. It is nice, sometimes, to explore without the noise from the o/b, which sometimes scares birds and other fauna away. You see more nature.

Ann