I have been using oar rights on my cataract oars, but have avoided drilling them through the third hole. They hold pretty well with just the two bolts, but have a tendency to twist. I want to drill the oar rights but feel this will weaken the integrity of the cataract oar. Is there a better way to cinch down oar rights, or is drilling a cataract O.K.??----mike

I have Cataracts with Oar Rites also and I haven't had a problem with any slippage, at least not yet. The Oar Rites really seem to cinch down tighter than snot against the rope wraps. The first time I ever saw Oar Rites used was with Rod Bush of River Otter Guide Service. I asked him how he liked them and he said that they were great although they need re-adjusting every so often. Believe me, this guy had put some milage on those things so I'd imagine an occasional adjustment due to slipping is to be expected. He had them attched with just the two factory screws also. He only used the Oar Rites for stabilizing the boat when anchored, don't know if you use them in place while rowing. That would surely cause slippage as a lot more direct stress is added.

As far as putting an extra hole in the Cataract itself, I don't think it's going to hurt at all. Just my opinion. Remember that there is a huge hole at the bottom of each oar where the blades plug in. The connecting hole should take a lot more stress being at the bottom of the oar shaft compared to where the Oar Rites are attached.

Justin
CEO, Sauk River Steelhead Ranch---<*,))>><

Sounds like it might be an oar diameter problem,I think oar right come in two sizes?
If youre's are twisting maybe wrap the oustide diameter of the oars with elctrical tape or another water prof tape thus giving you more bite,other wise drill the suckers it won't hurt them..Os

------------------
Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft
Release all Wild Fish----<'))>>{

FYI,

This quote comes from " Composite Basics" by Andrew Marshall, one of the experts in the field of composites and composite construction.

"One of the sore points in composites is the fact that most laminates, particularly the high-strength ones, are seriously degraded by drilling holes in them. The problem can show up as a substantial reduction in the part's strength. This reduction is is always much more than that represented by the loss of area due to the hole, and is accompanied by poor edge-strength of rivets or bolts that are set into the holes along the edge of the part. Also serious chafing of a bolt in the hole as it rotates or vibrates can occur, exposing the fibers in the drilled hole to the subsequent ravages of moisture and time."

Basically it is saying to be very cautious when drilling holes through composites, especially if a bolt, rivet, or other stress-producing item is inserted through the hole.


Fish on.........

My gut feeling is the same as suggested by Dan. I feel that a hole would created a stress zone, that could lead to a broken oar, in a heavy rapid--oar flex situation. There is a hole for the blade, but the base insert tube of the blade supports this area, so the flex is above the hole.
The oar rights I have are for the right size oar. Maybe I will just cinch down the bolts tighter, or substitute the flat head bolt, for allen bolts. Perhaps adhesive under the rights??

KORE,
Do not drill cataract oars or they will crack right at the hole.The BIG hole on the bottom has several inches of blade shaft slid inside it to add strengh.Most oar breaks are right at or near the oarlocks where your hole would be.Try double stick tape.Good Luck,lester

I would not drill!!!! If you're really having problems, I would simply rewrap the oar with 1/16 or 1/8 inch larger rope ... problem solved

Thanks for the input. I think I am going to try other methods, and not drill. Perhaps even rewrap the oars. The wraps are getting pretty worn, anyways.

Another quick question: Does anyone, put coating on the right surface to quiet down the contact noise, when pulling plugs? Or maybe wrap the top part of the oar lock with tape? Or should I not worry about it?