FAQs

Designed by the Admiralty, these oars are still used today in many different craft, by both the forces and civilians alike. They are tremendously robust and have earned the branding of 'heavy duty', which is well deserved. With a very distinctive long thin blade covering two-thirds the length of the oar and a loom diameter of up to 3" at the sleeve, they are set apart from other oars of similar lengths. Manufactured from either Sitka Spruce or American White Ash, the oars are finished in a tough polyurethane varnish. For protection in the rowlock, a heavy duty plastic sleeve is fitted to the loom. Although normally sold in pairs to the lengths below, we are pleased to supply odd numbers together with intermediate lengths to order. The Admiralty oars are used extensively by young Sea Cadets and Scouts in various pulling dinghies, shipped in Whalers and Gigs, as well as found in many ships' lifeboats: thankfully, more often than not, unused. PVC sleeving is supplied as standard, but stitched on leather is available. Lengths available: 8', 10', 12', 14', 15', 16' and 17'.

This particular wooden oar has been developed with two things in mind. Firstly, robustness and secondly, cost. The oar has a loom diameter of 44mm and can be supplied complete with plastic buttons to locate in the rowlock and provide protection. Alternatively, if shipped in a wooden dinghy, you may want to opt for the 7" leathers held on with copper tacks, for the more traditional look. This double sided flat bladed oar is ideal for general purpose use. Whether used with your tender, to row to your main boat or perhaps, on a sailing dinghy, to get you home when the wind dies. Manufactured from either traditional vertical grain Hemlock or hard wearing European Fir, they are finished with 3 coats of varnish, ready for use. Lengths available: 6'6", 7'6", 8'6", 9'6" and 10'

The Cornish Pilot Gig started life back in 1838, emerging from a small boatyard in the fishing village of St. Mawes, Cornwall. Today, there are in excess of 125 gigs run by over 50 clubs in and around the South West providing not only an exciting and competitive sport, but an important link with the past. Over recent years Collars have been commissioned to supply oars to a number of gig crews, and, with many similarities with the macon oar used in 1970's and 80's, our skill and patterns have once again been put to good use. With hollow Sitka Spruce looms and ash backs for stiffness and strength, each oar is hand crafted to ensure any particular brief is adhered to. With patterns to suit male crews, as well as junior and female crews, we will be pleased to discuss any requirements you may have. With over 80 years of oar making under our belt, it's very likely we will have seen it before. Ash tips, varnishing and numbering comes as standard and, should you require illuminated blades and leather, this can all be done in house if required.

This arrangement of rowing can be found on many boats throughout the Cumbrian Lakes and in parts of Scotland. A very traditional yet simple way of attaching the oar to the boat, replacing the conventional rowlock with a vertical pin. Known as the thole pin and usually mounted on a rowing frame or gunwale, it serves as a fulcrum or pivot point for the oar to rotate around. To accommodate the hole for the pin, the loom of the oar is left square from the end of the handle to 4 inches past the pin. This allows easy positioning for the pin slot as well as acting as a counter balance, as very light downward pressure by the hands is the key to successful rowing with this type of arrangement. The hole, normally triangular in section to allow the full movement throughout the stroke, is lined with copper for protection. Occasionally a small clip is fixed to the top of the pin as it protrudes through the oar to prevent it jumping off. With many different designs unique to particular areas of the country and boat builders alike, we would be pleased to reproduce an existing pattern or provide a suitable alternative. Generally, lengths are similar to our standard oar, but the position of the square section carrying the pin varies from boat to boat, mainly determined by the beam. Manufactured in either spruce for lightness or Pine for durability all designs are finished in a hard-wearing polyurethane gloss varnish. Please contact us with your requirements and we will be pleased to help.

Sculling a boat by means of a single oar mounted over the transom is one of the oldest forms of propulsion. The origins remain a little uncertain, but it is known to have been used in ancient China where the Yuloh oar was first employed, and which can still been seen in use today. In recent times, the technique of sculling is mainly reserved to time served waterman and unfortunately, is not being passed on to the younger generations to enjoy. Although the forward speed is less than conventional rowing it allows the boatman to face forward and manoeuvre in busy harbours where oar space may be lacking on either side. Although there are different designs of sculling oars, at Collars we offer a traditional version, flat one side, and convex on the other, blending into a round tapered loom with a comfortable shaped handle. Made from fine grain Sitka Spruce, the sculling oar offers the perfect mix of performance and grace to allow everyone to learn the art of sculling like a skilled boatman. Standard sizes available are 7'6" and 9'6", but as they are made by hand to order we can normally accommodate any slight modifications you have. Likewise, to finish the oar a 12" stitched leather is recommended to protect the Spruce.

Designed for the individual requiring that little bit extra in terms of control and performance. The Spoon oar is a bespoke service; carefully shaped by hand with laminated blades for strength and an Ash inlay on the tip, for added protection against scuffing and possible splitting.Being tailor made, the loom can either be round for rowing in conventional rowlocks or with a 'D' section for use with a traditional gate. For added protection, a number of options are available including leathers, PVC sleeving, and adjustable/fixed buttons. Lengths available: 6' (Stock no: 2001) , 6'6" (2002) , 7' (2003) , 7'6" (2004), 8' (2005), 8'6" (2006) and 9' (2007).

These single blade paddles have been supplied in numerous quantities and designs over the years. They vary between 3' and 5' with many different blade shapes, all individually designed for a varied array of uses such as Canadian canoes, punts and the ever growing sport of Dragon Boat racing. Manufactured from either Sitka Spruce for lightness, or Ash for durability, all have laminated blades and scalloped handles for total control and comfort. Today, we still supply them in large numbers to the armed forces for use in a variety of boats from the classic Bosun sailing dinghy to rigid raiding craft, where they are finished in an olive green paint. We have listed the most popular designs here but would be happy to supply any variation or shape required. Finished in a polyurethane varnish, they blend with any boat or dinghy and, unlike an engine or the wind, will never let you down.

The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association was formed on 29 May 2010 to encourage boat building and rowing and racing of coastal rowing boats around the Scottish Coastline. Communities are encouraged to become involved in the building of new boats called the St Ayles Skiff. The concept of the community built kit rowing boat came from Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats who was inspired by the Miners’ Rowing and sailing Regattas in East Wemyss where he formerly lived. The idea was taken up by the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther. The Skiff is 22ft overall, with a beam of 5’8″. The standard Crew is four rowers, each with a single oar, and a coxswain. The name of the design comes from the former chapel which now forms the entrance to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Boat building, oar making, practices, regattas and meetings are now popular all around the Scottish Coast. Many people new to these activities are enjoying the teamwork required to build a skiff and then race against other communities. At present, there are many variants on the shape of the St Ayles Skiff Oar. The length varies between 12' - 14', with a pencil or Macon style blade, not to mention many shapes inbetween. Looms can be hollow or solid. To try and introduce a standard oar, The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association have recently set up a task force, who are in consultation across all their members, to see if it is possible to come up with new rules for oar shape and size that all clubs can eventually adopt, putting everyone on an equal footing.

Click here to view Oars Price List

Designed by the Admiralty, these oars are still used today in many different craft, by both the forces and civilians alike. They are tremendously robust and have earned the branding of 'heavy duty', which is well deserved. With a very distinctive long thin blade covering two-thirds the length of the oar and a loom diameter of up to 3" at the sleeve, they are set apart from other oars of similar lengths. Manufactured from either Sitka Spruce or American White Ash, the oars are finished in a tough polyurethane varnish. For protection in the rowlock, a heavy duty plastic sleeve is fitted to the loom. Although normally sold in pairs to the lengths below, we are pleased to supply odd numbers together with intermediate lengths to order. The Admiralty oars are used extensively by young Sea Cadets and Scouts in various pulling dinghies, shipped in Whalers and Gigs, as well as found in many ships' lifeboats: thankfully, more often than not, unused. PVC sleeving is supplied as standard, but stitched on leather is available. Lengths available: 8', 10', 12', 14', 15', 16' and 17'.

This particular wooden oar has been developed with two things in mind. Firstly, robustness and secondly, cost. The oar has a loom diameter of 44mm and can be supplied complete with plastic buttons to locate in the rowlock and provide protection. Alternatively, if shipped in a wooden dinghy, you may want to opt for the 7" leathers held on with copper tacks, for the more traditional look. This double sided flat bladed oar is ideal for general purpose use. Whether used with your tender, to row to your main boat or perhaps, on a sailing dinghy, to get you home when the wind dies. Manufactured from either traditional vertical grain Hemlock or hard wearing European Fir, they are finished with 3 coats of varnish, ready for use. Lengths available: 6'6", 7'6", 8'6", 9'6" and 10'

The Cornish Pilot Gig started life back in 1838, emerging from a small boatyard in the fishing village of St. Mawes, Cornwall. Today, there are in excess of 125 gigs run by over 50 clubs in and around the South West providing not only an exciting and competitive sport, but an important link with the past. Over recent years Collars have been commissioned to supply oars to a number of gig crews, and, with many similarities with the macon oar used in 1970's and 80's, our skill and patterns have once again been put to good use. With hollow Sitka Spruce looms and ash backs for stiffness and strength, each oar is hand crafted to ensure any particular brief is adhered to. With patterns to suit male crews, as well as junior and female crews, we will be pleased to discuss any requirements you may have. With over 80 years of oar making under our belt, it's very likely we will have seen it before. Ash tips, varnishing and numbering comes as standard and, should you require illuminated blades and leather, this can all be done in house if required.

This arrangement of rowing can be found on many boats throughout the Cumbrian Lakes and in parts of Scotland. A very traditional yet simple way of attaching the oar to the boat, replacing the conventional rowlock with a vertical pin. Known as the thole pin and usually mounted on a rowing frame or gunwale, it serves as a fulcrum or pivot point for the oar to rotate around. To accommodate the hole for the pin, the loom of the oar is left square from the end of the handle to 4 inches past the pin. This allows easy positioning for the pin slot as well as acting as a counter balance, as very light downward pressure by the hands is the key to successful rowing with this type of arrangement. The hole, normally triangular in section to allow the full movement throughout the stroke, is lined with copper for protection. Occasionally a small clip is fixed to the top of the pin as it protrudes through the oar to prevent it jumping off. With many different designs unique to particular areas of the country and boat builders alike, we would be pleased to reproduce an existing pattern or provide a suitable alternative. Generally, lengths are similar to our standard oar, but the position of the square section carrying the pin varies from boat to boat, mainly determined by the beam. Manufactured in either spruce for lightness or Pine for durability all designs are finished in a hard-wearing polyurethane gloss varnish. Please contact us with your requirements and we will be pleased to help.

Sculling a boat by means of a single oar mounted over the transom is one of the oldest forms of propulsion. The origins remain a little uncertain, but it is known to have been used in ancient China where the Yuloh oar was first employed, and which can still been seen in use today. In recent times, the technique of sculling is mainly reserved to time served waterman and unfortunately, is not being passed on to the younger generations to enjoy. Although the forward speed is less than conventional rowing it allows the boatman to face forward and manoeuvre in busy harbours where oar space may be lacking on either side. Although there are different designs of sculling oars, at Collars we offer a traditional version, flat one side, and convex on the other, blending into a round tapered loom with a comfortable shaped handle. Made from fine grain Sitka Spruce, the sculling oar offers the perfect mix of performance and grace to allow everyone to learn the art of sculling like a skilled boatman. Standard sizes available are 7'6" and 9'6", but as they are made by hand to order we can normally accommodate any slight modifications you have. Likewise, to finish the oar a 12" stitched leather is recommended to protect the Spruce.

Designed for the individual requiring that little bit extra in terms of control and performance. The Spoon oar is a bespoke service; carefully shaped by hand with laminated blades for strength and an Ash inlay on the tip, for added protection against scuffing and possible splitting.Being tailor made, the loom can either be round for rowing in conventional rowlocks or with a 'D' section for use with a traditional gate. For added protection, a number of options are available including leathers, PVC sleeving, and adjustable/fixed buttons. Lengths available: 6' (Stock no: 2001) , 6'6" (2002) , 7' (2003) , 7'6" (2004), 8' (2005), 8'6" (2006) and 9' (2007).

These single blade paddles have been supplied in numerous quantities and designs over the years. They vary between 3' and 5' with many different blade shapes, all individually designed for a varied array of uses such as Canadian canoes, punts and the ever growing sport of Dragon Boat racing. Manufactured from either Sitka Spruce for lightness, or Ash for durability, all have laminated blades and scalloped handles for total control and comfort. Today, we still supply them in large numbers to the armed forces for use in a variety of boats from the classic Bosun sailing dinghy to rigid raiding craft, where they are finished in an olive green paint. We have listed the most popular designs here but would be happy to supply any variation or shape required. Finished in a polyurethane varnish, they blend with any boat or dinghy and, unlike an engine or the wind, will never let you down.

The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association was formed on 29 May 2010 to encourage boat building and rowing and racing of coastal rowing boats around the Scottish Coastline. Communities are encouraged to become involved in the building of new boats called the St Ayles Skiff. The concept of the community built kit rowing boat came from Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats who was inspired by the Miners’ Rowing and sailing Regattas in East Wemyss where he formerly lived. The idea was taken up by the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther. The Skiff is 22ft overall, with a beam of 5’8″. The standard Crew is four rowers, each with a single oar, and a coxswain. The name of the design comes from the former chapel which now forms the entrance to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Boat building, oar making, practices, regattas and meetings are now popular all around the Scottish Coast. Many people new to these activities are enjoying the teamwork required to build a skiff and then race against other communities. At present, there are many variants on the shape of the St Ayles Skiff Oar. The length varies between 12' - 14', with a pencil or Macon style blade, not to mention many shapes inbetween. Looms can be hollow or solid. To try and introduce a standard oar, The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association have recently set up a task force, who are in consultation across all their members, to see if it is possible to come up with new rules for oar shape and size that all clubs can eventually adopt, putting everyone on an equal footing.

Click here to view Oars Price List

Designed by the Admiralty, these oars are still used today in many different craft, by both the forces and civilians alike. They are tremendously robust and have earned the branding of 'heavy duty', which is well deserved. With a very distinctive long thin blade covering two-thirds the length of the oar and a loom diameter of up to 3" at the sleeve, they are set apart from other oars of similar lengths. Manufactured from either Sitka Spruce or American White Ash, the oars are finished in a tough polyurethane varnish. For protection in the rowlock, a heavy duty plastic sleeve is fitted to the loom. Although normally sold in pairs to the lengths below, we are pleased to supply odd numbers together with intermediate lengths to order. The Admiralty oars are used extensively by young Sea Cadets and Scouts in various pulling dinghies, shipped in Whalers and Gigs, as well as found in many ships' lifeboats: thankfully, more often than not, unused. PVC sleeving is supplied as standard, but stitched on leather is available. Lengths available: 8', 10', 12', 14', 15', 16' and 17'.

This particular wooden oar has been developed with two things in mind. Firstly, robustness and secondly, cost. The oar has a loom diameter of 44mm and can be supplied complete with plastic buttons to locate in the rowlock and provide protection. Alternatively, if shipped in a wooden dinghy, you may want to opt for the 7" leathers held on with copper tacks, for the more traditional look. This double sided flat bladed oar is ideal for general purpose use. Whether used with your tender, to row to your main boat or perhaps, on a sailing dinghy, to get you home when the wind dies. Manufactured from either traditional vertical grain Hemlock or hard wearing European Fir, they are finished with 3 coats of varnish, ready for use. Lengths available: 6'6", 7'6", 8'6", 9'6" and 10'

The Cornish Pilot Gig started life back in 1838, emerging from a small boatyard in the fishing village of St. Mawes, Cornwall. Today, there are in excess of 125 gigs run by over 50 clubs in and around the South West providing not only an exciting and competitive sport, but an important link with the past. Over recent years Collars have been commissioned to supply oars to a number of gig crews, and, with many similarities with the macon oar used in 1970's and 80's, our skill and patterns have once again been put to good use. With hollow Sitka Spruce looms and ash backs for stiffness and strength, each oar is hand crafted to ensure any particular brief is adhered to. With patterns to suit male crews, as well as junior and female crews, we will be pleased to discuss any requirements you may have. With over 80 years of oar making under our belt, it's very likely we will have seen it before. Ash tips, varnishing and numbering comes as standard and, should you require illuminated blades and leather, this can all be done in house if required.

This arrangement of rowing can be found on many boats throughout the Cumbrian Lakes and in parts of Scotland. A very traditional yet simple way of attaching the oar to the boat, replacing the conventional rowlock with a vertical pin. Known as the thole pin and usually mounted on a rowing frame or gunwale, it serves as a fulcrum or pivot point for the oar to rotate around. To accommodate the hole for the pin, the loom of the oar is left square from the end of the handle to 4 inches past the pin. This allows easy positioning for the pin slot as well as acting as a counter balance, as very light downward pressure by the hands is the key to successful rowing with this type of arrangement. The hole, normally triangular in section to allow the full movement throughout the stroke, is lined with copper for protection. Occasionally a small clip is fixed to the top of the pin as it protrudes through the oar to prevent it jumping off. With many different designs unique to particular areas of the country and boat builders alike, we would be pleased to reproduce an existing pattern or provide a suitable alternative. Generally, lengths are similar to our standard oar, but the position of the square section carrying the pin varies from boat to boat, mainly determined by the beam. Manufactured in either spruce for lightness or Pine for durability all designs are finished in a hard-wearing polyurethane gloss varnish. Please contact us with your requirements and we will be pleased to help.

Sculling a boat by means of a single oar mounted over the transom is one of the oldest forms of propulsion. The origins remain a little uncertain, but it is known to have been used in ancient China where the Yuloh oar was first employed, and which can still been seen in use today. In recent times, the technique of sculling is mainly reserved to time served waterman and unfortunately, is not being passed on to the younger generations to enjoy. Although the forward speed is less than conventional rowing it allows the boatman to face forward and manoeuvre in busy harbours where oar space may be lacking on either side. Although there are different designs of sculling oars, at Collars we offer a traditional version, flat one side, and convex on the other, blending into a round tapered loom with a comfortable shaped handle. Made from fine grain Sitka Spruce, the sculling oar offers the perfect mix of performance and grace to allow everyone to learn the art of sculling like a skilled boatman. Standard sizes available are 7'6" and 9'6", but as they are made by hand to order we can normally accommodate any slight modifications you have. Likewise, to finish the oar a 12" stitched leather is recommended to protect the Spruce.

Designed for the individual requiring that little bit extra in terms of control and performance. The Spoon oar is a bespoke service; carefully shaped by hand with laminated blades for strength and an Ash inlay on the tip, for added protection against scuffing and possible splitting.Being tailor made, the loom can either be round for rowing in conventional rowlocks or with a 'D' section for use with a traditional gate. For added protection, a number of options are available including leathers, PVC sleeving, and adjustable/fixed buttons. Lengths available: 6' (Stock no: 2001) , 6'6" (2002) , 7' (2003) , 7'6" (2004), 8' (2005), 8'6" (2006) and 9' (2007).

These single blade paddles have been supplied in numerous quantities and designs over the years. They vary between 3' and 5' with many different blade shapes, all individually designed for a varied array of uses such as Canadian canoes, punts and the ever growing sport of Dragon Boat racing. Manufactured from either Sitka Spruce for lightness, or Ash for durability, all have laminated blades and scalloped handles for total control and comfort. Today, we still supply them in large numbers to the armed forces for use in a variety of boats from the classic Bosun sailing dinghy to rigid raiding craft, where they are finished in an olive green paint. We have listed the most popular designs here but would be happy to supply any variation or shape required. Finished in a polyurethane varnish, they blend with any boat or dinghy and, unlike an engine or the wind, will never let you down.

The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association was formed on 29 May 2010 to encourage boat building and rowing and racing of coastal rowing boats around the Scottish Coastline. Communities are encouraged to become involved in the building of new boats called the St Ayles Skiff. The concept of the community built kit rowing boat came from Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats who was inspired by the Miners’ Rowing and sailing Regattas in East Wemyss where he formerly lived. The idea was taken up by the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther. The Skiff is 22ft overall, with a beam of 5’8″. The standard Crew is four rowers, each with a single oar, and a coxswain. The name of the design comes from the former chapel which now forms the entrance to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Boat building, oar making, practices, regattas and meetings are now popular all around the Scottish Coast. Many people new to these activities are enjoying the teamwork required to build a skiff and then race against other communities. At present, there are many variants on the shape of the St Ayles Skiff Oar. The length varies between 12' - 14', with a pencil or Macon style blade, not to mention many shapes inbetween. Looms can be hollow or solid. To try and introduce a standard oar, The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association have recently set up a task force, who are in consultation across all their members, to see if it is possible to come up with new rules for oar shape and size that all clubs can eventually adopt, putting everyone on an equal footing.

Click here to view Oars Price List