Picker's Market Oars

10 Sep 22:

 We were at our local Picker's Market looking at a big box of macrame/parrel beads and we spotted a single oar lock in amongst the beads. We asked the vendor how much for the oarlock, and she took it from us and said "Oh, that goes with the oars." My head snapped up so quick that I think I strained something and the Crusty Boat Radar (CBR) went into full search mode. The lady pointed to the oars, sad looking 6 footers, and there was the other oarlock. They are the perfect size for the Nutshell Pram. All I could do was point and grunt in acquisition mode, which Skipper translated for the vendor as "He wants those." We gladly paid the full asking price of $25 USD, and the vendor bargained with us on the beads, tambourine and castanets that we bought. So now we can row our Floating Gypsy and Flamenco Theater to a location near you!

The wood on the oars was so dry that I think they dehydrated me when I touched them, but we could see that they are a nice length for rowing the pram with its small beam and low freeboard. The oars have a pleasing shape and a good balance of sturdy vs lightness. The looms are mostly straight with a little checking in the steeple grain, we'll sand and seal that grain back up with a bucket or two of paint. The oarlocks are crusty galvanized models, manufacturer unknown for now, so while their patina only appeals to Sea Rats, those oarlocks will be around for a long time.