I'm wondering what you guys do about a spare drift boat oar. I use to carry a separate pair of much shorter and cheaper oars but had to return them and now need to solve the problem. I'm wondering if any of you know/use a collapsible spare though I probably would have to keep it assembled if I want to have any chance of grabbing it quickly in an emergency. So, a collapsible may not have any boat space value. Trying to keep cost down and don't want to buy a new single oar to match my used set. Thanks

I took an old p.o.s. 8 1/2 ft. oar, and cut it in half. Then, I went down to cut rate auto and found a piece of exhaust pipe tip (chrome baby!) that would act as a sleeve that had a tight fit over the cut ends of the oar, the piece is about 12". drilled holes near the end of the chrome sleeve, and in both pieces of the oar, added correct size of wood screws and screw driver to my 'oh [Bleeeeep!]' tool kit and I'm good to go. Also, I have an older clacka with the fixed rowers seat, so I lashed the 2 piece oar underneath the rowers seat out of the way. Another vital component of my O.S.! tool kit is gorilla duct tape, that stuff is awesome! hope this helps,
Ken

Try and find something used or pick up a new Carlisle (a bit cheaper). Not sure what your life is worth, but $100 - $200 investment to save your ass is priceless.

Don't buy a breakdown.

I probably have a old oar or two out in the shop if ya want one. Never take a 2 piece oar and think if you did break an oar it would be any good. I have broken several and never in a spot that I needed my spare in a few minutes. I needed it "NOW".

fp

Don't be cheap on a spare and while getting a spare oar get an extra oar lock and pins. Sh¡t happens in seconds even on flat mellow water .the river takes lives and isn't picky on who and I bet the majority of them are the unprepared or have Wal-Mart gear.

Don't cut oars, your idea sounds great, but I don't think it would hold up to my big ass, pullin hard on that oar done that way, I think the strength of that oar has been lost by cutting it. I would suggest against it... my thoughts

Ken, If you need that oar in a hurry you are going to be in big trouble having it broke down and lashed under the seat...not to mention the time to screw it together...Have it together and ready to go....

A "old, whole oar, is far better than a new 2 piece oar".....as many of you know I live close to the Wynoochee River.....many Saturdays and Sundays, I'd be at the Blk. Ck. boat launch to see how the fishing was.....I saw LOT's of driftboats....I really don't remember seeing anything but 1 piece "extra oar".........forget a 2 piece oar!!!!!

2 piece Cataract snaps together faster than you can put one in the oarlocks. Mine fits nicely under my seat (not lashed) within easy reach. You can always put it together before you start down the Green R. gorge too if you're at all concerned.
Good idea on the spare oarlocks, BTW.

Thanks all for the input. This cheap bastard is realizing I need to man up and spend some money.

FP-thank you for the offer but due to the distance between us and the MPG of my truck I probably need to solve this problem closer to home.

Mooch-The only 2 piece Cataract I can find is the Mini Magnum which seems a bit short. Is that what you're running with? I do see Carlisle does make a full size two piece. Also, do you guys know if Cataract and Carlisle blades are interchangeable?

Got a pair of 15' Carlisle Craigslist specials and cut one down.

Oars $50 not having to man up and spend money, priceless!

2pc cataracts "mini mags" broke one they are carp go with the sgg s

FKJ,

My breakdown oar is a full size SSG oar. It fits perfectly under the seat with standard Magnum interchangeable blade on. I believe I picked mine up from Lavro in Monroe.



Shaft lock

Blade lock


Although I prefer my Sawyer SquareTops over my Cataracts as primary oars, I use the breakdown Cat as my spare. It's really just a personal preference thing, the Cats are a fine oar and there is nothing wimpy or inferior about the breakdown either.

As far as quality oars go, I've never understood why so many "oarsmen" would spend so much money on rods and reels and then cheap out on their oars. I have to think it's because they've never tried something better and don't realize how much of a difference they make.

Thank you for the pictures and lead on where to find. That's exactly what I'm looking for. Fortunately, I now have the immediate spare issue solved for this weekend and have time to find a breakdown spare. Thanks again.