Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Surf Betty on 05/02/10 - 7:02 AM

Hello,
I have a 1962 13 footer. I was wondering about the oar locks. Anyone know anything about these old boats and their oar locks? My boat doesn't have much to tie the fenders to. My friend suggested getting oar locks in the existing sockets and use them to tie the fenders. I bought some from West Marine only to discover that the 1/2" shank that seems to be on most oarlocks is too fat for the existing skinny oar lock shank holes on my boat. Anyone ever get oar locks for these old boats? I would need a thinner shaft than is normal I guess. I may just abandon this idea. I am certainly not going to try to row her on Long Island Sound :)

Posted by tom blinstrub on 05/04/10 - 6:01 AM

I just bought a pair of oarlocks for my 13'. There were two different sizes at the store I was at. Go buy a pair that fits and buy a pair of 6'6" oars. You won't be sorry you did if you ever break down. The 13' rows pretty well with a smaller outboard on the back. The Bad thing about 1972 and later 13's is they don't have the oarlock holders in the boat like the older models. They don't do well with one oar. Good luck. tom

Posted by Surf Betty on 05/05/10 - 5:59 PM

thanks that's good advice, I hope I'm strong enough to row it if need be...but first I have to find some oar locks with shanks that fit...the search is on...

Posted by LabCab on 05/05/10 - 10:13 PM

The sockets on the Whaler look like standard 1/2" bronze sockets. Is there a chance that there is some filler or epoxy stuck in the holes? I could not find the other size of oar lock either. You might consider switching them with 1/2" oar sockets like these:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=298&familyName=Bronze+Top+Mount+Oarlock+Sockets

I also found the same sockets in stainless steel at West Marine for about $20.00.