Design and construction of a reinforced plastic oar for use in competitive and recreational rowing

Abstract In 1982 Paluski Boats with the assistance of the National Research Council of Canada, embarked on a project to design a reinforced plastic oar. The problems to be solved involved not only the construction of a shaft of sufficient strength, but also the development of a light and durable F.R.P. blade, as well as fixing to the pole a suitable strong and adjustable pivot point. The shaft was manufactured, borrowing techniques developed for ski poles and windsurfing masts, in the form of a tapered epoxy and carbon‐fiber pole. The blade was formed with an outer shell of epoxy and fiberglass laminate which was then filled with a two‐part structural foam. The pivot point, or ‘collar/sleeve assembly’ was made by molding around the shaft a solid section of polyurethane. The new plastic oars are lighter, less‐expensive, need no regular maintenance and are practically impossible to break.