Oars
Hyside oar shafts
Oar Sizing Guide
This guide is designed to help you choose the right oar length for your Hyside frame and raft. Keep in mind that oar sizing involves several factors, and personal preference plays a significant role in finding the ideal fit.
Begin by measuring the width of your frame. Below are the recommended oar lengths for Hyside frames:
- 48” = 8’ oars
- 52” = 8’ oars
- 54” = 8.5’ oars
- 60” = 9’ oars
- 66” = 9.5’ oars
- 74” = 10’ oars
- 80” = 11’ oars
While this is a good starting point, continue reading to explore other important factors to consider when assembling your raft setup.
Did You Know? Oars are typically measured with blade length in mind, but the actual shaft is shorter than the total length listed. Take this into consideration when sizing up the oars as the standard blade length is 27” -30”.
We recommend setting up your raft and frame for testing at home to adjust the towers, seat, sleeve, etc. as you would if you were venturing out on the water. It is best to measure out the specs and adjust them as needed before heading downstream.
Key Considerations Determining Oar Length:
- Oar Locks: Ideally, position your oar locks as wide as possible, but not beyond the width of your raft. Maximizing the distance from the center of the boat to the oar lock will give you the most leverage and power.
- Oar Tower Height/Angle: While you don’t want your oar towers to extend beyond the edge of the raft, there are personal preferences related to the mechanics of how your oars will work in relation to the seat of your boat. The higher the tower, the longer oar length you will need. The more the tower angles out, the longer or oar you will need. Start by centering the tower with the rower’s kneecap.
- Oar Handles: Your oar handles should have a small gap, be close enough to almost touch or have a slight overlap when at rest. This varies based on personal preference. Avoid having them too far apart, as it will reduce your leverage.
- Oar Distribution: A general rule of thumb is to have 1/3 of the oar inside the boat, while the other 2/3 should extend outside. This balance will help prevent shoulder strain while giving you enough leverage.
- The Seat Position in Your Raft: When your oar handles are at rest, they should sit at the height of your stomach. As you row, the motion should resemble a push-up and should sit at the height of your shoulders. If your seat height is higher than usual, you will need longer oars. However, this setup may not always be ideal. The higher the seat is, the less power and maneuverability you have.
- Rower’s Height & Arm Length: Your arm length will play a role in determining the best oar size for you. Taller rowers typically prefer longer oars to match their reach and rowing style.
- Tube Diameter: If your raft has smaller tubes, you may want to opt for shorter oars. Conversely, larger raft tubes will generally require longer oars.
- Type of Water: If you’re rowing in bigger water, longer oars are typically more effective. For more technical rivers, shorter oars might offer better control.
- Fishing vs Whitewater: If you’re using your raft for a fishing boat, where you’re constantly cruising up and downstream, you might find slightly shorter oars more comfortable for maneuvering the raft. In whitewater, longer oars may be
Below is a guide for sizing your Hyside specific frame to your raft with the recommended oar lengths.
48” 1 Bay– NRS Longhorn Raft Frame 48″Wx50″L
Mini Max – 8’ Oars
52” 2 Bay– HYSIDE 2-Bay Max Frame Package
Mini Max- 8’ Oars
Max 12 – 8.5’ Oars
You could also run 9’s with a stubby blade
High end oar MXS + stubby
54” 3 Bay– NRS Bighorn Raft Frame
Max 12 – 8.5’
60” 3 Bay– HYSIDE 3-Bay Raft Fame Package
Outfitter 12.0 – 9’ Oars
Outfitter 13.0 – 9’ Oars
Pro 13.0 – 9’ Oars
Pro 13.5 – 9’ Oars
66” 3 Bay– HYSIDE 3-Bay Raft Fame Package
Outfitter 14.0- 9.5 Oars
Outfitter 14.0XT – 9.5 Oars
Pro 15.0 – 9.5 Oars
74” 4 Bay– Single Rail
Outfitter 14.0XT- 10’
Pro 14.0XT- 10’ Oars
Pro 15.0- 10’ Oars
Pro 16.0- 10’ Oars
74” 4 Bay– Single Rail
Pro 16.0XT – 11’ Oars
Pro 18.0 – 11’ Oars
74” 4 Bay–– Hyside 4-Bay Raft Frame Package
Outfitter 14.0XT- 9.5-10’ Oars
Pro 15.0- 9.5-10’ Oars
Pro 16.0- 9.5- 10’ Oars
80” 4 Bay–– Hyside 4-Bay Raft Frame Package
Pro 16.0XT – 11’ Oars
Pro 18.0 – 11’ Oars
Packable Frame–– Welfelt Frame
Mini-Max – 8’ Breakdowns
Made for packing into the Gunnison Gorge. This lightweight option is easy to put together and carry.