Oar size for Wayfarer

[ean_p]

I can't get to the dinghy ....so can anyone advise please ..... would a pair of 70 inch oars be large enough for a wayfarer as 'get you home' propulsion, as don't want to fit an outboard!

cheers

ian p.

 

[lw395]

Longer the better.
Wayfarer has quite a lot of freeboard.
But anything long enough is going to be difficult to stow.
You might do better with a good canadian-style paddle?

 

[Searush]

Work it out; what is beam of boat, how far apart will rowlocks be, what is length of oars above rowlock sleeve?

2x length above sleeve shouls be slightly less than width between rowlocks. Then consider length of sweep (above blade to sleeve) against height of freeboard, assume it's a right angle triangle at about 45deg and you won't be far out.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Trident UK have a dedicated Wayfarer parts section on their dinghy page. They have the correct size oar there.

Also the Wayfarers UK Owners Association web site has technical descriptions for all models. I don't know if that includes oar length.

Links below: -

http://www.tridentuk.com/sailing/Wayfarer_Parts_Catalogue.html
http://www.wayfarer.org.uk/

 

[Deleted member 36384]

.... But anything long enough is going to be difficult to stow.
You might do better with a good canadian-style paddle?

The oars can be stowed under the seats. To aid this a clamp type bracket should be made up to hold them flush against the under side of the seat boards. The clamp is more secure than bungee cord but I have used that as well successfully.

I have a Canadian Style paddle but I don't like it. Sitting on the side, with legs inboard, twisting at the waste and paddling is awkward over long periods. It also is difficult if one loses the rudder to control direction e.g. if cruising a Wayfarer in a coastal situation. However, it is easier for loch type sailing where the shore is not far away. If single handed, then paddling and steering with the tiller would be awkward, at 15' long its quite a big heavy dinghy and rally needs to be tiller steered with the paddle. Horses for courses.

 

[ean_p]

thanks for replies especially the link to Trident!
would seem recommended size is 8.5-9ft!
oh well!