Is there a big difference between 10mm and 12mm gauge rowlocks?

[Greenheart]

Please, no comedic replies like: "2mm "

I can't imagine a 10mm stem bending very easily...but why else would all the chandleries offer a thicker gauge as well?

 

[alahol2]

Probably historic, to fit 3/8" and 1/2" sockets?

 

[Tam Lin]

Don't know the answer to your question but have a set of each in the shed. Bought a new (secondhand) tender last year and found it had different size plates to my previous tender so needed a new set of rowlocks. If you are starting from scratch I can't imagine that it makes any difference which size you choose.

 

[LadyInBed]

I can't imagine a 10mm stem bending very easily...but why else would all the chandleries offer a thicker gauge as well?

Straight or tapered shaft?
Plastic, Aluminium or fos bronze?

 

[Stork_III]

Shear strength 12, 44% higher than 10, bending strength 12 73% higher than 10.

 

[Greenheart]

Shear strength 12, 44% higher than 10, bending strength 12 73% higher than 10.

Thanks, 12mm it is!

I wonder why they bother making skinny ones...

 

[Stork_III]

Thanks, 12mm it is!

I wonder why they bother making skinny ones...

For skinny boats with short oars?

 

[Greenheart]

For skinny boats with short oars?

Or, maybe for very tight-fisted rowers who don't use sockets? They just get the wife to grip the rowlocks ...and she's tight-fisted too, so 10mm is better than 12mm.

I'll get my coat.

 

[Tranona]

Please, no comedic replies like: "2mm "

I can't imagine a 10mm stem bending very easily...but why else would all the chandleries offer a thicker gauge as well?

Simples. Little boats use smaller ones, bigger boats, well, bigger ones. Strength required for a 7' pram and 5' oars is very different from a heavy clinker 16ft. Just because something is stronger does not necessarily mean it is any better for a particular application.

 

[rob2]

There will be greater friction with the narrower stems. OK for a few prods to manouvre once the outboard has used up its fuel, but for rowing any distance the larger stems will be much smoother and each stroke will sap your energy less.

Rob.

 

[cryan]

A 10mm or 12mm rowlock must be for tiny oars? As for crutches I would suspect the size difference of the pin depends on the size of hole in your gunwale?

 

[Greenheart]

A 10mm or 12mm rowlock must be for tiny oars?

I'm assuming the measurement refers to the diameter of the pin which fits in the socket. No?

On those lines, 10 and 12mm sound about right, though I'm grateful for the relevant strengths described earlier.

 

[cryan]

The point I was making was that rowlocks are holes cut in the gunwale to put oars in. Crutches are I think what your talking about.

 

[Greenheart]

The point I was making was that rowlocks are holes cut in the gunwale to put oars in. Crutches are I think what your talking about.

As a terrible pedant myself, sir, I recognise the unwellness in others! We're dangerously close to talking total rowlocks here...

I've always regarded "crutches" as an Americanism for what I call rowlocks. Separate little open-topped supports for the oars.

View attachment 32147

And right or wrong, I reckon virtually the whole of this forum will think the same way!

 

[cryan]

Lol, I am lead to believe it is the other way around. Crutches are the traditonal name. Rowlocks were originally a cut out of the gunwale/bulwark in which the oar was placed.
Lighthearted pedantics though! However confusing a spurling pipe with a hawse pipe or capstan for a windlass- that's fighting talk!!

 

[Greenheart]

...a spurling pipe with a hawse pipe or capstan for a windlass- that's fighting talk!!

You've lost me, cap'n! Anyhow, I'll be off to Marine Megastore in the morning, and I'll be sure to ask the pretty girl there, for some help with my crotch-search. I meant crutch! (I'll need crutches if SWMBO reads this...)

 

[lustyd]

You've lost me, cap'n! Anyhow, I'll be off to Marine Megastore in the morning, and I'll be sure to ask the pretty girl there, for some help with my crotch-search. I meant crutch! (I'll need crutches if SWMBO reads this...)

Do Marine Megastore even have a counter for a girl to be behind? Let alone any stock to send the poor unfortunates who shop on their website. Unless you meant the excellent Marine Superstore?

 

[Greenheart]

Do Marine Megastore even have a counter for a girl to be behind? Let alone any stock to send the poor unfortunates who shop on their website. Unless you meant the excellent Marine Superstore?

In truth, I've never visited either. Note to self: start a "Favourite Chandlery" thread.

 

[John the kiwi]

Lol, I am lead to believe it is the other way around. Crutches are the traditonal name. Rowlocks were originally a cut out of the gunwale/bulwark in which the oar was placed.
Lighthearted pedantics though! However confusing a spurling pipe with a hawse pipe or capstan for a windlass- that's fighting talk!!

+1
as a young sea scout being taught the ways of the Navy we were roundly castigated for talking rowlocks when using crutches!

When training for National regatta rowing races using our 17 ft clinker boats with five oars and a cox, we would sometimes break crutches and oars. Yet same crutches and oars would be massive overkill on an 8ft pram....

 

[onesea]

You've lost me, cap'n! Anyhow, I'll be off to Marine Megastore in the morning, and I'll be sure to ask the pretty girl there, for some help with my crotch-search. I meant crutch! (I'll need crutches if SWMBO reads this...)

No she will just think you are talking rowllocks...