Oars, Oarlocks & Boat Hooks

Oars have traditionally been made of wood. The form is a long shaft (or loom) with a flat blade on the end. Where the oar connects to the boat there is a "collar" which stops the oar slipping past the rowlock. Oars usually have a handle about 150mm long, which may be a material sleeve or alternatively an ovoid shape carved to fit the hands.

Oars generally are connected to the vessel by means of oarlocks which transmit the applied force to the boat. In this system (known as a second class lever) the water is the fulcrum.