How to Calculate Oar Length

Determining the proper length of your oars takes just a few minutes.

If you own a rowboat, you need to have oars to get the boat moving. To do that, you need to get the correct size oars for your boat. If the oars are too short, you won't be able to effectively row the boat; if the oars are too long, you may find it too difficult to row. To solve the problem, you need to know how to properly calculate the length of oar you need.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Paper
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Locate the beam of your boat, which is in the middle of the boat between the oars. Measure the beam using a tape measure. Record the number in inches. For example, the beam of your boat might be 24 inches.

2. Multiply the width of the beam by 25. Using the example, 24 x 25 = 600.

3. Divide the last number by 14. Using the example, 600/14 = 42.86. Round this number up or down to the nearest six-inch number, to make it easier to find an oar; oars are most often sized in one-foot and one-half-foot lengths. In this case, the length is 42.86 inches. A 42-inch oar, 42 inches being three and one-half feet, would be the best oar for this boat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you row a racing scull, add six inches to the total before rounding up or down to identify the best oar length for your boat.

References

• "Lessons from My Good Old Boat"; Donald Launer, et al.; 2007