Oarlock pockets?

Builder's Forum
1

I’m about to start painting/varnishing my Lake Union Swift, and am beginning to think about all the small “fitting out” details. I intend to sail it, mostly, but will row on occasion, and on light-wind days want to have the oars ready as backup propulsion.

When sailing and not storing the oars in the oarlocks, I’m wondering how best to secure the locks. I’m thinking some sort of drawstring pouch attached to the inwales. Unfortunately, I don’t sew, otherwise I’d try making up something myself. Has anyone found an off-the-shelf solution, or another way to stow these metal bits?

2

I use “oarlock safety chains” which are readily available. In this picture you can see it hanging against the side of the boat picture right.

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3

You will also need to figure out where to store the oars while sailing. On my Passagemaker, which has two rowing stations, I have the full circle oarlocks on one station and an open set at the other. When I sail, I pivot the oars so the ends sit in the open stations. They are out is the way and easy to access.