Let's talk Oars

[Spanman]

So I have A ProP (which I luv) and am currently using Two peice Catarac Mini-mag 7.5' oars. I've replaced the set two years ago due to cracking but have 1 solid spare. This isn't the first set I've been thru, they seem to be attrached to rocks and don't hold up to well to regular abuse (I say regular because you gonna hit a rock on almost any river) and I am not trying to break rocks with them either. I have also used the Sawyer SST one year and my partner ended up folding the blade around the shaft (ATIGUN!!!) after raking back really hard on a turn, turning it into a Toothpick.
So here are my questions for the board:
Has anyone replaced just the blade on the Catarac's? Is it possible?
WHat preferance do you all have towards Oars?
Dependability and Durability of Oars? (is my problem common)
WHy the hell is shipping so much? Lol

I prefer the 7.5' only because I haven't tried any other size but that allows for good manuverability in tight spaces, but the two peice are key for transport. Fire away!!

 

[BrowningLeverAction]

I don't have any experience with Cataract oars, so I can't speak to replacing blades only. I love my Carlisle oars. I have a pair of 9' one pieces that can be a little long in a narrow spot, but give good leverage when I need it. I have a crappy old Pioneer (definitely not Pro) with a rubber floor and they move that around great. I have whanged off many rocks with them and even gotten jammed on a sneaky downriver rock a couple of times, and haven't bent the shafts at all. I did manage to bend the blade mount, but I was able to repair by laying it on the raft and stepping on the shaft to straighten it back out. My buddy has longer 2 pieces and he hasn't had any problems with them. We have chipped a few blades over the years, but I guess that is expected. We don't float really big water, class II-III.

 

[DaggaBoyAK]

Spanman....Why the hell is the shipping cost so high?
So the local retailers can double the shipping cost and past the profits on to themselves.

Why the heck is the shiping cost so high for a company as large a s Cabelas???
Could it be the same answer?

 

[Jim Strutz]

Shipping long heavy objects is expensive. Comes with being in AK. Also many dealers insist on making a profit on all costs, including the shipping costs.

I have bent and broken several 9' two piece Carlisle oars. The one piece shafts are tougher but for some reason I have a bent one. The large composite Cataract shafts are nearly indestructible. At least I have not been able to damage them. Sure hurts the wallet when you loose one though. I've only used the Carlisle blades, and just plan on replacing them as they break. I always carry a spare, and have needed to use it several times.

Spanman, I recommend switching to the larger diameter shaft oars commonly found on larger rafts. Blades are easy to change and the shafts are tougher. The Pro Pioineer is a narrow boat but at 16' it really is a full sized craft. I'm not sure about the 7.5' length though. You might have to cut 6" off the bottom of an 8' shaft. It's an easy thing to do though.

BTW, I have never really needed to use breakdown shafts. Even in small planes the long shafts fit with a little effort. Sometimes the breakdown shafts are easier to work with but i don't think them necessary.

 

[Jomama]

FYI; I think I bought my Cataract shafts from Cascade Outfitters... I called them and asked them to ship USPS and it was very reasonably priced..

 

[goeaux]

Jim is right on lots of points-- I use standard one piece oars on my MOOSE BOAT and all my others. I personally find that Sawyer "pole cat" one piece, fiberglass shafts work on every size raft or cat I sell, along with carsile outfitter blades. If you get in touch with Cheryl at sotar.com she can include some with my big raft order of over 2,000# that is coming up by barge at the end of the month at a very inexpensive price.
Hope this helps.
Goo

 

[Spanman]

Thanks Guys, I got in contact with that manufacturer of the Catarac Oars and although they don't really advertise it, they say they sell the blades and he gave me a detailed way of replaceing them. New poles may be in the works (thanks for the tip Goo, I may take you up on this) if I can find what I like. I also like the idea increasing to a large diameter pole, when I reserched the Mini_mags it shows guys tooling around on lakes in pontoons. Gonna have to do a little more research.