Gig Harbor Oars easy assembly?

[dndrich]

So I'm out there figuring out how the oars will fit under the coaming in my SCAMP build, and I finally start playing with the oars. Now, what am I missing here? They slide together nicely, but I do not understand the holding mechanism. It looks like the two halves are kept together by a screw that one turns counterclockwise to fill the hole in the shaft. Am I to believe that one must keep a screwdriver aboard to assemble while underway? That can't be right, but I can't figure out how these work. I know some of you have them. Can you explain? Mine came without instructions. I mean, who would need instructions for oars??

[wdscobie]

the oars that i used on Jackie Monies GHBW built SCAMP 'Cowboy Cookies' required a screwdriver to assemble ... something i found out once i was out on the water and needed to put them together! i ended up using 1/2 an oar as a paddle (wasn't fun but worked).

[Friends with SCAMPS]

I've been thinking of getting a pair. This sounds like an inconvenient glitch. Would the integrity of the oar be compromised by drilling a hole clear through for a pin?

[dndrich]

I've been thinking of getting a pair. This sounds like an inconvenient glitch. Would the integrity of the oar be compromised by drilling a hole clear through for a pin?

These are really nice oars, but this assembly is an issue. Yes you need the screw setup, which means I will keep a small screw driver ready for quick assembly and disassembly. I think drilling them for a pin would be a mistake. So, I will put up with this design. On the plus side it looks like they will fit under the coaming completely out of the way if I cut a slight notch into the upright on B7. That will be really nice. According to Pocketyacht (Howard!) if I do that, they don't even need to be lashed. They will stay there.

[knasman]

I have a pair of these oars and lucky for me, my Boye sailing knife has a blunt end that fits perfectly in the slot. And the knife is always attached by a lanyard to my PFD. Maybe you could find a similar knife solution.

A pushbutton type would have been a better choice for Saywer to use, IMHO.

[Dave Robertson]

Sawyer is reluctant to use push buttons on our two piece Scamp oars because of the buttons' tendancy to slip up the tube if not used carefully. The screw locks are 100% positive every time.

[dndrich]

Sawyer is reluctant to use push buttons on our two piece Scamp oars because of the buttons' tendancy to slip up the tube if not used carefully. The screw locks are 100% positive every time.

Hmm. Well, that is unfortunate, because it makes getting the oars together in a hurry harder. At least, one has to have a tool readily available for this.