The oars supplied with the Wanderer (Custard) are 6′ long. Much too short for good rowing but easy to stow and thus fast to access. As described elsewhere fast access turns out to be the most important requirement for oars – for fendering off and close manoeuvering when things go wrong.

I have another set of oars supplied with the green boat (Owl). These are 6′ 6″ but I haven’t used them much:

• They are too long for the low gunnels and high thwart of Owl – it is hard to get the blades out of the water.
• The handle of one is damaged.

However they are a very good fit into Custard and the extra 6″ will help with rowing. So a bit of tidying up was in order.

I’ve varnished most of the oars; the handles will be covered in a mix of linseed oil and turpentine. The oars are not in beautiful condition but will do.