Determining Oar Length
In making the right choice there are some things to consider.
Oar length is based mainly on the width and length of the water craft.
There are many math formulas to go by one formula is:
Half the width from oar lock to oar lock then divide by 7 and multiply by 25.
This gives you the length in inches; divide that by 12 for the length in feet.
Some prefer to row with their hands overlapped, add 6 inches.
Others saw a few inches (up to 3) off the blade end for stowing or transporting.
The best way sounding stupid, is to fasten a tape measure on a long piece of wood.
Then sit in the boat and see what feels right.
Take in to consideration our oar dimensions.
It all comes down to your preference.
We hope the charts below will help you in determining the length needed.
10' Boats
Width | Oar Length |
32" - 36" | 4' - 5' |
36" - 40" | 5' - 5' 6" |
40" - 44" | 5' 6" - 6' |
44" - 48" | 6' - 6' 6" |
48" - 52" | 6' 6" - 7' |
52" - 55" | 7' - 7' 6" |
55" - 58" |
7' 6" - 8' |
Width | Oar Length |
40" - 44" | 6' - 6' 6" |
44" - 48" | 6' 6" - 7' |
48" - 52" | 7' - 7' 6" |
52" - 56" | 7' 6" - 8' |
56" - 60" | 8' - 8' 6" |
60" - 64" | 8' 6" - 9' |
14' Boats
Width | Oar Length |
40" - 44" | 6' 6" - 7' |
44" - 48" | 7' - 7' 6" |
48" - 52" | 7' 6" - 8' |
52" - 56" | 8' - 8' 6" |
56" - 60" | 8' 6" - 9' |
60" - 64" | 9' - 9' 6" |
64" - 68" | 9' 6" |
16' Boats
Width | Oar Length |
50" - 54" | 8' - 8' 6" |
54" - 58" | 8' 6" - 9' |
58" - 64" | 9' - 9' 6" |
64" - 68" | 9' 6" |
68" - 72" | 10' |