Drift Boat Oar Recommendations

[Snakes]

I don't know if they've changed but a friend had a pair a couple years ago, those things flexed more than a fiberglass 4wt

Help me out here…is that a good thing or bad thing? I don’t think my current plastic/metal clackacraft issued oars have ever flexed an inch. Kinda like rowing with two telephone poles.

 

[Snakes]

Current choice at the moment based on all of this: sawyer square tops (still debating shoal cut vs. standard).

 

[Rooster]

The problem with these kind of recommendations is often folks can't or won't explain WHY they like a particular brand over the other. It often comes down to what you like, not what someone else does.

I agree with BDD is saying here, personal preference is likely why choses are made in this area. I can say from my own experience owning/using both Cataracts and Sawyers oars. The difference between the "standard" Cataract shafts with the plastic square blades and the Sawyer's with the Shoal cut blades is: the Sawyer's give me, less strain on my shoulders and back, smoother more responsive strokes, less noise from the blade entering and exiting the water, and more complete/effective strokes in shallow water. Add those together and it make for a more pleasurable (i.e., more fish) day/week on the water.

Not to be undersold, the Cataract's with the large square blades do perform tasks well. They move a lot of water, they sink (which helps with anchoring and certain types of strokes), and you can beat the hell out of them!

-Anthony

 

[Rooster]

Current choice at the moment based on all of this: sawyer square tops (still debating shoal cut vs. standard).

That may come down to what water/fishing you are going to use them for.

 

[Paige]

Help me out here…is that a good thing or bad thing? I don’t think my current plastic/metal clackacraft issued oars have ever flexed an inch. Kinda like rowing with two telephone poles.

Bad if too much, trying to dig hard strokes to avoid something and your oar is the shape of a is not wanted!

 

[Styskal]

My personal fav for rowing multiple days on any river. Guiding 45 days strait on the Klick and many trips on the OP. Cataract sgg, with magnum floating blades. Simple cobra our locks. Worked out great on my old Lavro 16ft outfitter. Great for doing 5 day floats on the Deschutes as well except I always carried an extra set on the float from max to the mouth. Never a bad idea never a bad experience.