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For thousands of years vessels were powered either by sails, or the mechanical work of oarsmen, or paddlers. Some ancient vessels were propelled by either oars or sail, depending on the speed and direction of the wind. Rowing oars have been used since the early Neolithic period. Wooden oars, with canoe-shaped pottery, dating from 5000-4500 BC have been discovered in a Hemudu culture site at Yuyao, Zhejiang, in modern China.
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. The difference between oars and paddles are that paddles are held by the paddler, and are not connected with the vessel. 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. Specifications : Size: PW 4mm (5/32 inch) x L 70mm (2 3/4 inch) Finish: Unfinished Material: Boxwood Package Qty: 2 |
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