Shaw and Tenney - Maine Crafted Since 1858

Historic Oars for Wood Island Life Saving Station

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Historic Oars for Wood Island Life Saving Station

The summer of 2023 will mark the reopening of the historic Wood Island Life Saving Station in Kittery Point, Maine.  The predecessor to the US Coast Guard (founded in 1915), The US Life Saving Service opened the station in 1908 running it for 40 years until it was decommissioned in 1948.  The Wood Island station was maned by surfmen who bravely rowed a surfboat through high winds and turbulent waves, to rescue mariners in distress. 

The project included the restoration of a Type SR pulling surfboat from the late 1930s named the Mervin F. Roberts.  This is the same type and model of boat that was used during the heyday of the Life Saving Station at Kittery Point.  We were asked to participate in this project by creating historically exact 12-foot spruce oars for the Mervin F. Robersts.  Shaw & Tenney's history of supplying long oars for surfboats dates back to the late 1800's and we couldn't be prouder to have our oars in use at Wood Island.  

 

 

Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors has an excellent article on the Wood Island Life Saving Station restoration as well as the restoration of the surfboat Mervin F. Roberts.  For our customers we have attached a PDF copy of the article here.  You can also access the article on the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors website.

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How to Size Your Oars

To determine the correct length oar for your boat measure the distance between the port and starboard oar sockets. Then apply the Shaw and Tenney oar length formula to determine the oar length that will provide the correct 7:18 leverage ratio. This length will provide an oar where 7/25 the length is inboard of the oarlocks and 18/25 of the oar is outboard of the oarlocks. It is the ideal ratio to row almost all boats. Sized correctly, when rowing your hands will be 1 to 3 inches apart and you will be pulling directly towards your abdomen. If you are popping out of your oarlocks when rowing your oars are far too short. If you prefer an overlapping grip, add 6” to the calculated oar length. If you have more than one rowing station in your boat, measure both. Typically they will require two different length oars which is fine if you’re going to be rowing tandem and need two sets. Otherwise you’ll need to compromise the correct length to work properly in both stations. If you are rowing more than 75% in one station size the oar to that length. As always feel free to call us and were happy to help you select the correct oar length and blade style for your boat.

The Original Shaw & Tenney Oar Length Formula

To help our customers size their oars correctly, we’ve been using the same formula since 1858: Measure the distance between the center of the port and starboard oar sockets, which hold the oar locks on each gunnel. This is called the “span” between the oarlocks. Divide the span by 2, and then add 2 to this number. The result is called the “inboard loom length” of the oar. Multiply the loom length by 25, and then divide that number by 7. The result is the proper oar length in inches. Round up or down to the closest 6” increment.

How to Size Your Paddle

For traditional wooden paddles the ideal length for the Stern paddler is the bridge of your nose or 6 inches less than your height. For the bow paddler the paddle reaching the cleft of your chin or 9 inches less than your height is correct.

For our Racine paddle if you are over 5’6” tall select the 63-1/2” length and the shorter paddle if you are under5’-6”tall.

When paddling solo we typically recommend a bow length paddle. For Canadian style solo most paddlers prefer an even shorter paddle.

For paddling canoes when standing (yes our mother let us do this) a 69 inch or 72 inch paddle is usually about right.

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