hi all,

we went rowing on the maribrynong river in Melbourne, Australia
yesterday. The boat went well but the oars and particulary the rowlocks
left a lot to be desired. We can do some work on the rowlocks and
improve them my using a closer fit between the rowlock pin and the
rowlock socket to stop the rattle.

We wil also add a spacer to rasie the rowlock becuase on the backstroke
a plastic fairing on the oar was scraping on the gunnel.

As to getting a new pair of oars I have found a site but it requires
having a shaft of 49mm diameter timber. As to making something like
this how practical is it to make a makeshift lathe using an electic
drill and then to shape some sqare section timber.

I have contacted a supplier of rowing sculls and they can provide me
with a pair of rowlocks for $120, good but a bit steep. A single oar
we have costed at $200 Aust!!, a bit steep, thus our interest making
out own.

help with how to turn the timber or a cheaper quality rowlock supplier
in australia would be very much appreciated.

regards,
n peter evans