Drift boat oar?

[superdown]

My fiance' was being nice and ordered some cataract oar shafts for my drift boat and being new to the drift boat thing she got the plain shaft without counter balance or rope wrap is that necessary? How do i attach oar rights without the rope wrap? Do i use a rubber oar sleeve instead of rope wrap ?How important is the counter balance ? 

[Bullkllr]

You are going to want wraps on your oars to protect the shafts. There would be constant wear between the shaft and the oar lock without it. I imagine it would make quite a lot of noise also.

You might be able to find some kind of sleeve, but rope wraps have been the standard since there have been drift boats. Sleeves are common on some kinds of lighter oars. But believe me- the oars of a drift boat are subjected to constant use when on the river. They are put under tremendous strain at times- things need to be in top shape and working the way they should. I'd rather have a beat-up, dented scow of a boat than a questionable oar set-up.

*Edit* Sawyer sells what they call a "Stopper sleeve". I have never seen one, but that is the intended use. 'Bout as expensive as a wrap job. http://www.paddlesandoars.com/OAR-STOPS-SLEEVES/

I have wrapped/rewrapped oars and it can be done. You have to make sure enough to use enough tension and glue to hold the wrap tightly.
Helpful info here:http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/oarwapping.htm

I have used Cataracts for years and really like them. Looking at their website they charge $25 to wrap an oar which to me seems well worth it. I don't know if your oars were ordered there- but most places that sell them should offer a reasonable wrap job.
https://cataractoars.com/carbon-fiber-and-fiberglass-composite-oars-and-whitewater-accessories/rope-wrap-of-composite-oar-shafts

I personally do not use counter-balances (just 'cuz I'm old-school and stubborn). That IMO is more of a personal choice than the wraps. I know guys who use them and love them. They basically take some of the oar weight out of the rowers' hands- make a long day on the oars a little less tiring.

You must also be getting some Cataract blades? I much prefer the thicker "floater" blades, but the solid blades work too.

You will also need oar stops- absolutely a must or the oars will go away. Both the rubber donut style and the clamp on stops will do the job. Clamp-ons are easier to put on and adjust.

Hope this helps- have fun with the boat!

[superdown]

My fiancee cancelled those oars and got these ones instead.They are rope wrapped and counter balanced i will pick up the blades in couple weeks.

[Bullkllr]

 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

That's a great oar! I have Sawyers wood counter balanced and seem to get the job done. Wish oars went so expensive or I'd buy some different ones and try them all out.

[whitey]

Just need stops and wrap.
Some folks use the Oar Rights, I dont like them.
Those Oars She bought for the boat are nice, lots of good times ahead.
I run The Square tops and are freaking real nice, But any modern oar is going to be super.