Oar locks - stainless or brass?

[downriver79]

I just got a helluva deal on a used Scadden pontoon. Owner said it had been inflated once and never been on the water. Only thing missing is the oar locks. I reached out to Scadden to see about replacements and they said they have stainless ones. Seems like most of the top quality rafts I see have brass oar locks. According to the google machine, stainless is stronger than brass. I like the price point of the stainless replacements from Scadden ($39 for a set) vs the price of some of the brass ones I see online. Is there any reason to go with brass instead of stainless? Thanks in advance for any insight on this.

 

[skyriver]

Congrats!
Interesting that Scadden told you they have stainless ones since their website pretty much points to bronze ones. "Naval Bronze" to be exact. And their assembly instructions as well-
https://www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com/assembly-instructions
The main challenge will be to figure out which size you need. The oar size dictates which size on that end, but also the size of the hole in the oar stands where the oar lock shaft will go. Probably either 1/2" or 5/8".
I have the NRS Mini Aluminum ones and they have been great on my 9.6 Striker raft. Their measurements are good for many smaller craft-
(1/2" shaft, 1 13/16" inside diameter and 1 5/16" horn opening.)
My Cataract KBO oars work well with them.

Good luck!

 

[downriver79]

Congrats!
Interesting that Scadden told you they have stainless ones since their website pretty much points to bronze ones. "Naval Bronze" to be exact. And their assembly instructions as well-
https://www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com/assembly-instructions
The main challenge will be to figure out which size you need. The oar size dictates which size on that end, but also the size of the hole in the oar stands where the oar lock shaft will go. Probably either 1/2" or 5/8".
I have the NRS Mini Aluminum ones and they have been great on my 9.6 Striker raft. Their measurements are good for many smaller craft-
(1/2" shaft, 1 13/16" inside diameter and 1 5/16" horn opening.)
My Cataract KBO oars work well with them.

Good luck!

Thanks! I couldn't find oar locks on their website's accessories page so I called them and left a message. I got a text back from them a little bit later stating that they had the stainless ones. I replied asking if they'd fit the old NFO models and they said yes and that they were stronger and quieter. The oars that came with the boat are the original ones so they should fit. Thanks for the insight!